Modular Synthesis of Semiconducting Graft Copolymers to Achieve "Clickable" Fluorescent Nanoparticles with Long Circulation and Specific Cancer Targeting.

ABSTRACT: Semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (SPNs) are explored for applications in cancer theranostics because of their high absorption coefficients, photostability, and biocompatibility. However, SPNs are susceptible to aggregation and protein fouling in physiological conditions, which can be detrimental for in vivo applications. Here, a method for achieving colloidally stable and low-fouling SPNs is described by grafting poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) onto the backbone of the fluorescent semiconducting polymer, poly(9,9'-dioctylfluorene-5-fluoro-2,1,3-benzothiadiazole), in a simple one-step substitution reaction, postpolymerization. Further, by utilizing azide-functionalized PEG, anti-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) antibodies, antibody fragments, or affibodies are site-specifical

SUBMITTER: Creamer A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7616993 | biostudies-literature | 2024 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature