Abstract

Conjugated Polymer Nanoparticles (CPN) are exceptionally fluorescent molecular labelling tools that are being utilised in cellular imaging applications. Derived from visual display technology, these nanoparticles produce very intense light emission that does not photobleach and are highly stable to a wide range of pH and temperatures. The CPNs have a range of spectral properties covering the visible spectrum and matching well to standard fluorescent filters and laser lines. The CPN can be taken up by cells through endocytosis or targeted by linking them antibodies, proteins, nucleotides or other targeting moieties. The CPNs’ emission intensity makes imaging techniques such as immunocytochemistry and flow cytometry highly sensitive and the CPNs’ stability makes the results highly reproducible. They are also used to increase the sensitive of lateral flow diagnostics tests. Being made from non-toxic materials and compatibility with fluorescence detection and MRI has allowed their in vivo investigation for labelling tumour margin. CPNs can be coupled with additional reagents to yield nanoparticles for specific drug delivery and photodynamic therapy.