Fluorogenic monomer activation for protein-initiated atom transfer radical polymerization

Fluorogenic atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) directly detects initiator-dependent polymer formation, as initially non-fluorescent polycyclic aromatic probe monomers reveal visible fluorescence upon polymerization in real time. Advancement of this initial proof-of-concept toward biodetection applications requires both a more detailed mechanistic understanding of probe fluorescence activation, and the ability to initiate fluorogenic polymerization directly from a biomolecule surface. Here, we show that simple monomer hydrogenation, independent of polymerization, reveals probe fluorescence, supporting the critical role of covalent enone attachment in fluorogenic probe quenching and subsequent fluorescence activation. We next demonstrate bioorthogonal, protein-initiated fluorogenic ATRP by the surface conjugation and characterization of protein-initiator conjugates of a model protein, bovine serum albumin (BSA). Fluorogenic ATRP from initiator-modified protein allows for real-time visualization of polymer formation with negligible background fluorescence from unmodified BSA controls. We further probe the bioorthogonality of this fluorogenic ATRP assay by assessing polymer formation in a complex biological environment, spiked with fetal bovine serum. Taken together, we demonstrate the potential of aqueous fluorogenic ATRP as a robust, bioorthogonal method for biomolecular-initiated polymerization by real-time fluorescence activation.

Automated summary

Fluorogenic atom transfer radical polymerization (ATRP) can detect initiator-dependent polymer formation through visible fluorescence activation of initially non-fluorescent polycyclic aromatic probe monomers. Hydrogenation of simple monomers reveals probe fluorescence, independent of polymerization, emphasizing the critical role of covalent enone attachment in fluorogenic probe activation. Bioorthogonal, protein-initiated fluorogenic ATRP allows for real-time visualization of polymer formation, showing potential as a robust, bioorthogonal method for biomolecular-initiated polymerization.