A new route towards fluorescent organic nanoparticles with red-shifted emission and increased colloidal stability

Suzuki–Miyaura cross-coupling reaction with a new boron reagent has been used to conveniently and efficiently synthetize a dipolar chromophore having an elongated π-conjugated system (i.e., bithiophene based), which displays a red-shifted emission while maintaining fluorescence. Bright orange emitting FONs made from this ‘naked’ dipole have been easily prepared and studied. Very interestingly, these FONs with red-shifted emission combine markedly enhanced colloidal and structural stability in water with giant one- and two-photon brightness. As such, they hold promises as fluorescent probes for bioimaging.

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