Fluorescent supramolecular nanoparticles signal the loading of electrostatically charged cargo

Abstract

Fluorescently labeled supramolecular nanoparticles (SNPs) were used to study the effects of their loading with oppositely charged cargo. SNPs shrank until neutralization, upon which they destabilized and aggregated. Using a dye-labelled guest, FRET occurred between the SNPs and a dye-labeled cargo. This effect may allow the development of responsive imaging and drug delivery vehicles.