pH-Sensitive polymer assisted self-aggregation of bis(pyrene) in living cells in situ with turn-on fluorescence

Nanotechnology. 2015 Sep 4;26(35):355703. doi: 10.1088/0957-4484/26/35/355703. Epub 2015 Aug 6.

Abstract

Supramolecular self-assemblies with various nanostructures in organic and aqueous solutions have been prepared with desired functions. However, in situ construction of self-assembled superstructures in physiological conditions to achieve expected biological functions remains a challenge. Here, we report a supramolecular system to realize the in situ formation of nanoaggregates in living cells. The bis(pyrene) monomers were dispersed inside of hydrophobic domains of pH-sensitive polymeric micelles and delivered to the lysosomes of cells. In the acidic lysosomes, the bis(pyrene) monomers were released and self-aggregated with turn-on fluorescence. We envision this strategy for in situ construction of supramolecular nanostructures in living cells will pave the way for molecular diagnostics in the future.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cytological Techniques / methods*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / metabolism
  • HeLa Cells
  • Humans
  • Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
  • Nanostructures / chemistry*
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Polymers / metabolism
  • Pyrenes / chemistry*
  • Pyrenes / metabolism

Substances

  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Polymers
  • Pyrenes