Issue 3, 2017

Poly(3-hexylthiophene) nanoparticles for biophotonics: study of the mutual interaction with living cells

Abstract

We report on the mutual interaction between poly(3-hexylthiophene) nanoparticles (P3HT-NPs) and human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells. P3HT-NPs, prepared in sterile conditions and efficiently uptaken within the live cells cytosol, show well-ordered morphology, high colloidal stability and excellent biocompatibility. Electrophysiology and calcium imaging experiments demonstrate that physiological functions of live cells are fully preserved in the presence of P3HT-NPs. From a complementary point of view, the photophysical properties of P3HT-NPs are also mainly maintained within the cellular environment, as proven by in situ time-resolved photoluminescence. Interestingly, we detect slight modifications in emission spectra and dynamics, which we ascribe to the contribution from the P3HT-NPs surface, possibly due to conformational changes as the result of the interaction with intracellular proteins or the formation of NPs aggregates. This work demonstrates that P3HT-NPs are excellent candidates for use as light sensitive actuators, due to their remarkable physical properties, optimal biocompatibility and capability of interaction with living cells.

Graphical abstract: Poly(3-hexylthiophene) nanoparticles for biophotonics: study of the mutual interaction with living cells

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
12 Aug 2016
Accepted
12 Dec 2016
First published
12 Dec 2016

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2017,5, 565-574

Poly(3-hexylthiophene) nanoparticles for biophotonics: study of the mutual interaction with living cells

E. Zucchetti, M. Zangoli, I. Bargigia, C. Bossio, F. Di Maria, G. Barbarella, C. D'Andrea, G. Lanzani and M. R. Antognazza, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2017, 5, 565 DOI: 10.1039/C6TB02047J

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