Polydiacetylene single-walled carbon nanotubes nano-hybrid for cellular imaging applications

J Nanosci Nanotechnol. 2012 Jan;12(1):377-85. doi: 10.1166/jnn.2012.5394.

Abstract

The functionalization of single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs) by forming self-assembled supramolecular structure of 10,12-pentacosadiynoic acid (PCDA) on the carbon nanotube wall is reported. PCDA assemblies on SWCNTs (PCDA/SWCNTs) were polymerized by UV irradiation to extensively conjugated polydiacetylene (PDA). PDA/SWCNT was identified by absorption and emission spectroscopy, scanning and transmission electron microscopies (SEM and TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). PDA/SCWNTs showed strong near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence caused by fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) between PDA network and semiconducting SWCNT core. The micro-patterning of biotinylated PDA/SWCNT with FITC-avidin on biotinylated glass surface demonstrated the potential application for a bio-sensing device. Furthermore, the biocompatibility for mammalian cancer cells was tested by viability experiments, which revealed that the PDA/SWCNTs had very low toxicity below 31.3 mg/L in terms of pristine SWCNTs concentration. Also, PDA/SWCNTs inside the cells can be observed by NIR microscopy. This unique modular method of preparation can contribute to diverse functionalities for practical applications in various non-invasive cellular imaging.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Contrast Media / chemical synthesis*
  • Humans
  • Microscopy / methods*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Polyacetylene Polymer
  • Polymers / chemistry*
  • Polyynes / chemistry*

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Polyacetylene Polymer
  • Polymers
  • Polyynes
  • polydiacetylene