Preparation of Fluorescent Organometallic Porphyrin Complex Nanogels of Controlled Molecular Structure via Reverse-Emulsion Click Chemistry

Here, we are the first to report a novel approach to preparing well-defined poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) fluorescent nanogels, with well-defined molecular structures and desired functionalities via reverse (mini)emulsion copper(I)-catalyzed azide-alkyne cycloaddition (REM-CuAAC). Nanogels with hydroxyl groups and Ga-porphyrin complex (Ga-porphyrin-OH nanogels), as well as with Ga-porphyrin complex and folate functional groups (Ga-porphyrin-FA), are successfully prepared. Nanogels of 30 and 120 nm in diameter are obtained and they exhibit an emission maxima within the wavelength range 700800 nm. The nanogels could find uses in near infrared (NIR) imaging attributable to their fluorescence and their functionality for cell affinity.