Nagy-Simon, T., Diaconu, O., Focsan, M., Vulpoi, A., Botiz, I., & Craciun, A. M. (2021) | Journal of Molecular Structure, 130931
Summary
Low bandgap conjugated polymers are widely used in solar photovoltaics and have recently gained interest for cell imaging and phototherapy because of their activity in the near-infrared (NIR) region, often called the biologically transparent window.
In this study, the authors used the conjugated polymer PCPDTBT to develop NIR-activated theranostic nanoparticles through nanoprecipitation. The particles were designed for fluorescence imaging and combined photothermal and photodynamic therapy (PTT-PDT).
To overcome the hydrophobicity of PCPDTBT, the nanoparticles were coated with Pluronic F127 amphiphilic block copolymer. This coating improved colloidal stability, enhanced fluorescence emission, increased photothermal heating performance, and boosted singlet oxygen generation in aqueous environments.
Under 785 nm NIR laser irradiation, the nanoparticles showed strong thermal response, excellent photostability, and a photothermal conversion efficiency of 61%. Encapsulation also nearly doubled singlet oxygen generation quantum yield.
Fluorescence imaging of single nanoparticles on glass substrates demonstrated their suitability as high-contrast probes.
These combined optical and therapeutic properties highlight their potential as NIR-responsive theranostic agents for dual phototherapy and high-resolution fluorescence tracking.
Read the publication: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.molstruc.2021.130931