Generation of functionalized and robust semiconducting polymer dots with polyelectrolytes.

ABSTRACT: We describe a facile method to functionalize semiconducting polymer dots (Pdots) with polyelectrolytes. The polyelectrolyte coating dramatically improves the colloidal stability of the Pdots in solutions which are either of high ionic strength or contain bivalent metal ions: this feature allows Pdots to be used under physiologically relevant environments without losing their functionality. We conjugated the polyelectrolyte-coated Pdots with streptavidin to demonstrate their application in specific cell labeling.

SUBMITTER: Jin Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3819213 | biostudies-literature | 2012 Mar

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature