Preparation of water-soluble conjugated polyelectrolyte and its response characteristics

• A new water-soluble conjugated polyelectrolyte, PPOTAT, is prepared.
• The PPOTAT exhibits response characteristics toward temperature and pH.
• The PPOTAT can interact with BSA.

A water-soluble conjugated polyelectrolyte, poly[3-(1′-propyloxy-3′-triethylamino)thiophene] (PPOTAT), was prepared in this study. The photophysical and electrochemical properties, as well as the response characteristics of PPOTAT toward temperature and pH, were investigated. The results indicate that PPOTAT is an organic semiconductor, the conjugate performance of PPOTAT at 20 °C is better than that at 50 °C, and π–π interactions between PPOTAT molecules are weak in alkaline conditions, and strong under acidic conditions. The interaction between PPOTAT and bovine serum albumin (BSA) was also investigated using ultraviolet visible and fluorescence spectroscopy. The results showed that PPOTAT could interact with BSA.

Aqueous solutions of PPOTAT exhibited response characteristics toward temperature and pH. PPOTAT can interact with bovine serum albumin.Figure optionsDownload as PowerPoint slide