Plasmon-Enhanced Fluorescence in Electrospun Nanofibers of Polydiacetylenes Infused with Silver Nanoparticles

Abstract

A hybrid computational and experimental approach was employed toward the rational design of a silver nanoparticle (AgNP)/polydiacetylene (PDA) metal-enhanced fluorophore (MEF) ensemble system contained within a poly­(ethylene oxide) (PEO) electrospun nanofiber matrix for creation of high-performance sensors. Simulations based on Mie theory and finite-difference time domain (FDTD) algorithms were performed to understand and optimize spectral overlap between the AgNP localized surface plasmon resonance and the absorbance and emission spectra of PDA, a supramolecular polymer fluorophore. A series of AgNPs of varied sizes were investigated for fluorescence enhancement capability, and an optimal size of 134 nm in diameter was chosen for synthesis and incorporation into the electrospun nanofibers of a PDA/PEO composite for experimental characterization and confirmation. Results on individual nanofibers indicated a clear metal-enhanced fluorescence effect, and a 4.6-fold enhancement over neat PDA/PEO fluorescent nanofibers was observed. The nanofiber/nanoparticle/MEF ensemble system offers new avenues for generating effective sensing devices with polymeric fluorophores using a straightforward incorporation approach.

Light-Driven Energy and Charge Transfer Processes between Additives within Electrospun Nanofibres

“…Similarly, in another study by Burris and Cheng, the effect of AgNPs on the fluorescence on the polymer polyethylene oxide/polydiacetylene (PEO/PDA) blend was explored. Various sizes of AgNPs were incorporated in PEO/PDA electrospun nanofibres and a 4.6-fold enhancement of fluorescence was observed [ 114 ].…”

Obviously Enhanced Fluorescent Signal of Core‐Shell Nanostructures through Simultaneous Regulation of Spectral Overlap and Shell Thickness for Imaging and Photothermal Therapy of Ovarian Cancer Cells

“…[ 28–31 ] However, until now, few studies have simultaneously regulated both factors and achieved an optimized PEF effect. [ 32–36 ]…”

“…[28][29][30][31] However, until now, few studies have simultaneously regulated both factors and achieved an optimized PEF effect. [32][33][34][35][36] In this research, we developed GNR-containing nanostructures decorated with fluorophores, a stimuli-responsive polydiacetylene (PDA), and a near-infrared (NIR) Cy5.5 dye, respectively. Optimized fluorescent signals were achieved through simultaneous regulation of spectral overlap and distance between Scheme 1.…”

Development of optical chemosensors based on photochromic polymer nanocarriers

“…[3][4][5][6] Photochromic and fluorescent nanoparticles have received a great deal of attention because of some significant advantages of light as an external stimulus, including controllability out of the system, adjustability in intensity, non-destructivity, and accessibility in any time and place. [7][8][9] Photochromic organic molecules as common lightresponsive materials have extensively been used in the preparation of stimuli-chromic polymer nanoparticles by their chemical or physical incorporation into the polymer matrix.…”