Bio-degradable highly fluorescent conjugated polymer nanoparticles for bio-medical imaging applications

Tatjana Repenko, Anne Rix, Simon Ludwanowski, Dennis Go, Fabian Kiessling, Wiltrud Lederle () and Alexander J. C. Kuehne ()
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Tatjana Repenko: RWTH Aachen University
Anne Rix: RWTH Aachen University
Simon Ludwanowski: RWTH Aachen University
Dennis Go: RWTH Aachen University
Fabian Kiessling: RWTH Aachen University
Wiltrud Lederle: RWTH Aachen University
Alexander J. C. Kuehne: RWTH Aachen University

Nature Communications, 2017, vol. 8, issue 1, 1-8

Abstract: Abstract Conjugated polymer nanoparticles exhibit strong fluorescence and have been applied for biological fluorescence imaging in cell culture and in small animals. However, conjugated polymer particles are hydrophobic and often chemically inert materials with diameters ranging from below 50 nm to several microns. As such, conjugated polymer nanoparticles cannot be excreted through the renal system. This drawback has prevented their application for clinical bio-medical imaging. Here, we present fully conjugated polymer nanoparticles based on imidazole units. These nanoparticles can be bio-degraded by activated macrophages. Reactive oxygen species induce scission of the conjugated polymer backbone at the imidazole unit, leading to complete decomposition of the particles into soluble low molecular weight fragments. Furthermore, the nanoparticles can be surface functionalized for directed targeting. The approach opens a wide range of opportunities for conjugated polymer particles in the fields of medical imaging, drug-delivery, and theranostics.

Date: 2017
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DOI: 10.1038/s41467-017-00545-0

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