U‐Shaped Conjugated Oligomer‐Based Micelles as a Ratiometric Fluorescent Nanothermometer for Diverse Cellular Applications
Rui Peng, Hean Zhang, Chuang Yao, Qianling Cui, Yufeng Luo, Lidong Li
Abstract
Abstract Herein, a conjugated oligomer is reported possessing a unique U‐shaped molecular geometry, which significantly affects the intramolecular charge transfer and modulates the fluorescence properties. Upon excitation, it displays blue/red dual emission, which is very sensitive to the polarity and viscosity of solvents. After being incorporated into Pluronic F127 micelles, a dramatic fluorescence enhancement is found in its red emission (up to 27‐fold) along with a stable blue emission at elevated temperature. Accordingly, the emissive micelles are successfully explored as a reliable ratiometric nanothermometer both in solution and in cellular environment. Moreover, compared to nanoparticle counterpart prepared by classical nanoprecipitation, the conjugated oligomer/F127 micelles exhibit a remarkable improvement in photo‐triggered reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation efficiency and photodynamic killing behavior on cancer cells. The current study will help researchers to further understand the structure–property relationship of π ‐conjugated fluorophores and design various nanomaterials with promising potential for simultaneous diagnostic and treatment on cancers.