The Polymer Society of Korea

Abstract

Fluorescent polymer-based biosensors have emerged as a promising platform for the sensitive detection of microorganisms. Conjugated polymers (CPs) are attractive materials due to their distinct optical properties, which enable rapid and sensitive detection of bacteria. However, their use is limited by their poor solubility, aggregation, and low biocompatibility. To overcome these issues, we introduced water-soluble groups into the backbone of a CP. Donor monomers with sulfonate groups and acceptor monomers with a benzothiadiazole structure were synthesized and polymerized to obtain a water-soluble CP with enhanced fluorescence. The key reactions included aromatic bromination, Suzuki-Miyaura cross coupling, and Stille coupling. The structure of the CPs was confirmed using FT-IR and ¹H NMR spectroscopy, and their optical properties were analyzed by UV-Vis and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The resulting polymer demonstrated good solubility and strong fluorescence in water.