Metal-Containing Semiconducting Polymer Dots for Dual-Modality Bioimaging

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current imaging technologies face challenges in distinguishing gold nanoparticles from other cellular features in dark-field microscopy due to similar light scattering signals, and existing methods lack the ability for long-term observation and multimodal imaging.

Innovation Solution

The development of metal-containing semiconducting polymer dots (MC-SC-Pdots) that incorporate gold or iron oxide nanoparticles, enabling dual-modality imaging by combining fluorescence and dark-field signals for gold nanoparticles, and utilizing magnetic properties for iron oxide nanoparticles for bioimaging and sample preparation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If gold nanoparticles are used for long-term observation in dark-field microscopy, then optical stability is improved, but the ability to distinguish Au from other cellular features deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelong-term observation capabilityVSAvoiddistinguishing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines gold nanoparticles with semiconducting polymer dots to create hybrid structures that exhibit both dark-field scattering (from Au) and fluorescence emission (from Pdots). This merging allows the system to maintain optical stability for long-term tracking while enabling differentiation through dual-signal detection, resolving the contradiction between duration and measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The Au-Pdot hybrid structures serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide long-term optical stability through Au's photostability, enable distinguishing capability through Pdot fluorescence, and maintain dark-field scattering properties. This multi-functionality allows a single probe to satisfy both requirements of long-term observation and accurate identification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Illumination intensity

If Pdot hybrids with Qdots are prepared by covalent linking, then fluorescence emission properties are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefluorescence emissionVSAvoidhybrid preparation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a simplified preparation approach using nanoprecipitation rather than complex covalent linking chemistry. This method uses readily available reagents and straightforward processing steps to create Au-Pdot hybrids, reducing the complexity of hybrid preparation while maintaining the desired fluorescence emission properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Adaptability or versatility

If iron oxide nanoparticles are incorporated into Pdots, then magnetic manipulation capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemagnetic manipulation capabilityVSAvoidhybrid preparation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines iron oxide nanoparticles with semiconducting polymer dots using nanoprecipitation to create hybrids with magnetic manipulation capability. This merging approach integrates the magnetic functionality into the existing Pdot platform through a unified preparation process, enhancing versatility while managing manufacturing complexity through process integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

MC-SC-Pdots provide enhanced imaging capabilities, allowing for the differentiation of gold nanoparticles from other cellular features and enabling long-term tracking, as well as magnetic manipulation and enrichment of labeled cells, thereby improving imaging and sample preparation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

Au particles or NPs comprising Au have been used as contrast agents for long-term observation and single-particle tracking in dark-field microscopy because Au does not photobleach. But in dark-field microscopy, it is difficult to distinguish Au from other intracellular micro- and nano-features that also strongly scatter light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 2

Pdot hybrids with quantum dots (Qdots) embedded in the Pdots (Pdot-Qdot) have been prepared by covalently linking semiconducting polymers functionalized with amine groups to the surface of Qdots. These Pdot hybrids show narrow-band and near-IR fluorescence emission with high brightness

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 3

the metal is iron (Fe) or iron oxide (FeOx). In these embodiments, the MC-SC-Pdots can be used in both bioimaging and sample preparation. For example, Fe or FeOx-MC-SC-Pdots are attracted to and concentrated by a magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetism: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11249073B2Metal-containing semiconducting polymer dots and methods of making and using the same

Publication Date: 2022.02.15 UNIV OF WASHINGTON

AI summary

The present disclosure provides metal-containing (MC) semiconducting (SC) Pdots (MC-SC-Pdots) with beneficial functionalities in both cellular imaging and manipulation, among other applications. The Pdots comprise at least one nanoparticle comprising at least one metal, and a semiconducting polymer associated with the nanoparticle.