Nanoparticles of Conjugated Molecules and Polymers for Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Semiconducting organic materials based on π-conjugated molecules or polymers have recently received considerable attention for their use as imaging and therapeutic agents for biomedical applications. Because π-conjugated materials exhibit desirable characteristics such as high brightness, photostability, emission tunability, and low toxicity, they are an attractive alternative to conventional fluorophores. In this review, the recent development of π-conjugated molecular nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo biomedical applications is discussed.

Nanoparticles of Push–Pull Triphenylamine-Based Molecules for Light-Controlled Stimulation of Neuronal Activity

“…Aqueous dispersions of NPs based on the push–pull molecules were obtained by the reprecipitation technique without addition of any surfactants or amphiphilic polymers. − The technique is based on the formation of NPs due to a rapid change in the solvent polarity, which favors π–π packing and hydrophobic interactions. The size distribution of the NPs was assessed using the dynamic light scattering (DLS) method (Figure ).…”

“…Under this background, the aqueous dispersions of OSC nanoparticles (NPs) as a facile strategy have been developed in recent years and some detailed reviews on the general preparation methods of OSC NPs were reported. 7,8 The hydrophobic organic π-conjugated small molecules or polymers can form stable nanocolloids when their solutions are dispersed in aqueous media. Apart from easy preparation and separation features, other advantages of NPs include high brightness, excellent photostability, low cytotoxicity, and high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY).…”

“…Although great efforts in the development of water-soluble OSCs have been made, the difficult preparation and purification steps limit their wide application in biology and medicine. Under this background, the aqueous dispersions of OSC nanoparticles (NPs) as a facile strategy have been developed in recent years and some detailed reviews on the general preparation methods of OSC NPs were reported. , The hydrophobic organic π-conjugated small molecules or polymers can form stable nanocolloids when their solutions are dispersed in aqueous media. Apart from easy preparation and separation features, other advantages of NPs include high brightness, excellent photostability, low cytotoxicity, and high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield (QY). , The functionalization of OSCs with specific recognition groups imparts NPs the ability for targeted bioimaging and recognition both in vitro and in vivo …”