Thermoresponsive dual emission nanosensor based on quantum dots and dye labeled poly(N-isopropylacrylamide)

Dual end-functionalized telechelic poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) (PNIPAM) was synthesized using reversible addition-fragmentation chain-transfer (RAFT) polymerization. One end was coupled to a fluorescent dye and the other end was covalently coupled to CdSe/ZnS quantum dots (QDs) through carbodiimide chemistry. The hybrid nanoparticle shows ratiometric changes in fluorescence emission upon temperature cycling between 25 degrees C and 45 degrees C.