Synthesis of a new conjugated polymer for DNA alkylation and gene regulation

Conjugated Polyelectrolyte/Single Strand DNA Hybrid Polyplexes for Efficient Nucleic Acid Delivery and Targeted Protein Degradation

Nucleic acid-based therapeutics have gained increasing attention due to their ability to regulate various genetic disorders. However, the safe and effective delivery of nucleic acids to their intended cellular sites remains a challenge, primarily due to poor cell membrane permeation and low in vivo stability. Limitations associated with the commonly used nucleic acid delivering agent viral vectors such as carcinogenesis and immunogenicity have driven scientists to develop various nonviral vectors. In this study, we present a highly efficient nucleic acid delivery system based on cationic conjugated polyelectrolytes and single-strand DNA polyplexes with further application in efficient ubiquitin-regulated targeting protein degradation. These polyplexes, formed by 9TC, an aptamer sequence for estrogen receptor (ERα), and cationic PPET3N2 through electrostatic and hydrophobic interactions, demonstrate improved cellular uptake efficiency as well as enhanced stability against nuclease degradation. Furthermore, by incorporation of 9TC into a proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) molecule (P9TC), PPET3N2/P9TC polyplexes significantly enhance the target protein ERα degradation efficiency. Collectively, our findings suggest that PPET3N2 provides a versatile, low cytotoxicity platform for safe, efficient, and simplified delivery of nucleic acids.

Fabrication of theranostic amphiphilic conjugated bottlebrush copolymers with alternating heterografts for cell imaging and anticancer drug delivery

We reported the first example of polyfluorene (PF)-backboned bottlebrush (bb) copolymers with alternating POEGMA/PCL hetero brushes for cancer theranostics.

AIE conjugated polyelectrolytes based on tetraphenylethene for efficient fluorescence imaging and lifetime imaging of living cells

New conjugated polyelectrolytes based on tetraphenylethene are prepared, which show good performance in fluorescence imaging and fluorescence lifetime imaging of living cells.

Green light-emitting polyepinephrine-based fluorescent organic dots and its application in intracellular metal ions sensing

In this paper, we present a class of bio-dots, polyepinephrine (PEP)-based fluorescent organic dots (PEP-FODs) for selective and sensitive detection of Fe(2+), Fe(3+), and Cu(2+). The PEP-FODs were derived from epinephrine via self-polymerization at relatively low temperature down to 60°C with low cytotoxicity and relative long lifetime (7.24ns). The surface morphology and optical properties of the synthesized PEP-FODs were characterized. We found that the diameters of PEP-FODs were mainly distributed in the narrow range of 2-4nm with an average diameter of 2.9nm. An optimal emission peak located at 490nm was observed when the green light-emitting PEP-FODs were excited at 400nm. It is discovered that Fe(2+), Fe(3+), and Cu(2+)can strongly quench the fluorescence of PEP-FODs through the nonradiative electron-transfer. The detection limit of 0.16, 0.67, and 0.15μM was obtained for Fe(2+), Fe(3+), and Cu(2+), respectively. The independent sensing platform of Fe(2+), Fe(3+), and Cu(2+)could be established by using NaF as a complexing agent and by regulating the reaction time between NaF and metal ions. Cell viability studies reveal that the as-prepared PEP-FODs possess good solubility and biocompatibility, making it as excellent imaging nanoprobes for intracellular Fe(2+), Fe(3+), and Cu(2+)sensing. The developed PEP-FODs might hold great promise to broaden applications in nanotechnology and bioanalysis.

An emission-tunable fluorescent organic molecule for specific cellular imaging

A color-tunable fluorescent molecule was synthesized and applied in specific lysosomal imaging.

Facile Synthesis of Biocompatible Fluorescent Nanoparticles for Cellular Imaging and Targeted Detection of Cancer Cells

In this work, we report the facile synthesis of functional core-shell structured nanoparticles with fluorescence enhancement, which show specific targeting of cancer cells. Biopolymer poly-l-lysine was used to coat the silver core with various shell thicknesses. Then, the nanoparticles were functionalized with folic acid as a targeting agent for folic acid receptor. The metal-enhanced fluorescence effect was observed when the fluorophore (5-(and-6)-carboxyfluorescein-succinimidyl ester) was conjugated to the modified nanoparticle surface. Cellular imaging assay of the nanoparticles in folic acid receptor-positive cancer cells showed their excellent biocompatibility and selectivity. The as-prepared functional nanoparticles demonstrate the efficiency of the metal-enhanced fluorescence effect and provide an alternative approach for the cellular imaging and targeting of cancer cells.

A new class of red fluorescent organic nanoparticles: noncovalent fabrication and cell imaging applications

Cyano-substituted diarylethlene derivatives R-OMe (-H, -CF3) with different peripheral substituted groups were synthesized in high yield. Water-soluble red fluorescent organic nanoparticles (FONs) could be facilely prepared from them via hydrophobic interaction with polyoxyethylene-polyoxypropylene-polyoxyethylene triblock copolymer (Pluronic F127). The optical properties and surface morphology of the synthesized FONs were characterized, and their biocompatibilities as well as their applications in cell imaging were further investigated. We demonstrate that such red FONs exhibit antiaggregation-caused quenching properties, broad excitation wavelengths, excellent water dispersibilities, and biocompatibilities, making them promising for cell imaging.