Facile preparation and cell imaging applications of fluorescent organic nanoparticles that combine AIE dye and ring-opening polymerization

An aggregation induced emission dye (PhNH2) with two amino end groups was facilely incorporated into fluorescent organic nanoparticles through one-step room temperature anhydride ring-opening polymerization under an air atmosphere. Such obtained polymeric nanoparticles showed high water dispersibility, uniform size, strong red fluorescence and excellent biocompatibility, making them promising for cell imaging applications.