(725b) Size Control for Fluorescent Polymeric Nanosensors

Recent years have shown the incredible versatility and utility of polymeric nanosensors. Sensors have been developed for a wide variety of ionic analytes (e.g. sodium, potassium, pH) as well as nonionic analytics (e.g. glucose) and have been applied for challenging research fields such as detection of sodium sparks in live cardiomyocytes. This field of research has yielded new knowledge on cellular metabolism and function. Additionally, these sensors can be applied in vivo, through implantation in or under the skin in animals; showing potential as a research tool for continuous monitoring of analyte concentrations without the need for direct samples to be taken from the animal.

The size control of these nanosensors is an important parameter in successful applications. For in vitro research in cell lines, the use of smaller sensors is preferred for improved distribution throughout the cell as well as to minimize clogging of the micropipette tip during injection. However, for in vivo applications, larger sensors are desirable in order to minimize sensor migration away from the injection site. Methods to affect sensor size over both a small and large range will be discussed for both in vitro and in vivo applications.

This work was supported by a grant from the National Institutes of Health National Institute of General Medical Sciences (R01 GM084366).