Resonant Raman-Active Polymer Dot Barcodes for Multiplex Cell Mapping

Abstract

Resonance Raman spectroscopy is an efficient tool for multiplex imaging because of the narrow bandwidth of the electronically enhanced vibrational signals. However, Raman signals are often overwhelmed by concurrent fluorescence. In this study, we synthesized a series of truxene-based conjugated Raman probes to show structure-specific Raman fingerprint patterns with a common 532 nm light source. The subsequent polymer dot (Pdot) formation of the Raman probes efficiently suppressed fluorescence via aggregation-induced quenching and improved the dispersion stability of particles without leakage of Raman probes or particle agglomeration for more than 1 year. Additionally, the Raman signal amplified by electronic resonance and increased probe concentration exhibited over 103 times higher relative Raman intensities versus 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine, enabling successful Raman imaging. Finally, multiplex Raman mapping was demonstrated with a single 532 nm laser using six Raman-active and biocompatible Pdots as barcodes for live cells. Resonant Raman-active Pdots may suggest a simple, robust, and efficient way for multiplex Raman imaging using a standard Raman spectrometer, suggesting the broad applicability of our strategy.

Semiconducting polymer dots for multifunctional integrated nanomedicine carriers

“…This data will help us understand the physiological processes experienced by nano-carriers constructed based on Pdots in the body, as well as the metabolic kinetic parameters and related characteristics involved. Lastly, we can further explore the potential application value of Pdots in fields such as environmental protection, where they might be applied to water pollution control, waste gas purification, etc [ [515] , [516] , [517] ].…”

LipoGold Tags: Hybrid Lipid-AuNP Clusters as Highly Efficient SERS substrates for Biomedical Applications

“…15,16 Consequently, Raman tags based on NPs' clusters necessitate a delicate balance of the RRs/stabilizer ratio to ensure a robust SERS signal without inducing uncontrolled aggregation. 11 Although numerous strategies have been proposed for fabricating efficient SERS tags with high targeting efficiency and SERS intensity, as well as long-term colloidal stability, [17][18][19][20] these methods often involve time-consuming and multiple-step syntheses, leading to NP aggregates lacking in reproducibility and structural stability, usually dependent on the RR chemical structure. 16 In summary, a simple, reproducible, and versatile strategy for developing RRs-AuNPs clusters as SERS probes is still lacking.…”