Polydiacetylene colloids for membrane, bacterial, and cellular sensing

Polydiacetylene (PDA) is a conjugated polymer exhibiting unique color and fluorescence properties. In particular, colloids of PDA can be incorporated within diverse membrane-mimic environments and undergo dramatic blue-red transformations accompanied by fluorescence emission which are induced by varied external molecular stimuli. In this context, biomimetic PDA colloid frameworks constitute a sensitive chromatic sensor for diverse biological processes. This presentation will highlight use of PDA colloids in varied configurations, including small and giant vesicles, Langmuir monolayers, sol-gel host matrixes, and others, and the application of this intriguing biomimetic sensing platform for analysis of membrane processes, bacterial detection, and cell-surface interactions in situ.