Presentation: 2025 ND EPSCoR Annual conference
October 21, 2025, NDSU Memorial Union, Fargo, North Dakota
TPE-Endcapped Hyperbranched Poly(silyl ether)s as Degradable Platforms for FRET-Based Nanoparticles
Chiranthi
Mahadurage
Doctoral Student
University of North Dakota
Co-authors: Blessing Okosun, University of North Dakota, Diane C. Darland, University of North Dakota, Julia Zhao, University of North Dakota, Guodong Du, University of North Dakota
Session
Poster number: 128
Legacy Lounge
We report the design and synthesis of fluorescent energy-transfer constructs using hyperbranched poly(silyl ether)s (HBPSEs) covalently endcapped with tetraphenylethylene (TPE), a well-known aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogen. Leveraging the amphiphilic nature and degradability of HBPSEs, we prepared nanoparticles capable of efficient Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) when combined with the conjugated polymer MEH-PPV. Structural characterization by NMR and FTIR confirmed the successful incorporation of TPE, while GPC analysis revealed polymers with moderate molecular weights. TEM and DLS demonstrated size-tunable nanoparticles, with average diameters ranging from 7 to 61 nm, depending on the polymer feed ratio. Optical studies showed strong AIE fluorescence from TPE and efficient spectral overlap with MEH-PPV, enabling donor–acceptor interactions that enhanced emission properties. Preliminary cytotoxicity assays indicated good biocompatibility of the nanoparticles. These findings underscore the potential of TPE-endcapped HBPSEs as versatile platforms for constructing degradable, biocompatible FRET systems, particularly in the promising field of bioimaging.