Abstract:
Spatially resolving stimuli can allow us to better understand physicochemical processes in complex environments [1,2]. Towards this goal, we develop ways of integrating Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) chemistry into stimuli-responsive polymer architectures, such that FRET output (i.e., spectral shift in fluorescence) reflects polymer chain conformation [3]. Using FRET, we can spatially resolve conformation by confocal microscopy methods, with high spatiotemporal resolution. In this talk, I will discuss strategies to integrate FRET into functional polymers, and how we can examine the responsiveness of the polymers for understanding physicochemical processes. Specifically, these systems are used to study surface wettability [3], localised changes in pH [1], resolving contact areas between surfaces, and micro-to-nano structure in secondary matrices [5]. We further show what are the most efficient methods for integrating FRET into such polymer matrices [6], for resolving such conformational changes. Our systems provide a non-invasive optical measure of changing surface conditions, which holds great promise for identifying processes in real-time.
[1] J. Yadav, I. Hermes, A. Fery, Q. A. Besford, Small 2025, 2409323.
[2] Q.A. Besford, C. Rossner, A. Fery, Adv. Funct. Mater. 2023, 2214915.
[3] Q. A. Besford, H., Yong, H., Merlitz, A. J., Christofferson, J. U., Sommer, P., Uhlmann, A., Fery, Angewandte Chemie 2021, 60, 16600-16606.
[5] X. Liao, D. Sychev, K. Rymsha, M. Al-Hussein, J.P. Farinha, A. Fery, Q. A. Besford, Advanced Science 2023, 10, 2304488.
[6] W. Van den Heuvel, H. Merlitz, K. Rymsha, Q. A. Besford, Macromolecules 2025, 58, 10847-10855.
Event Series
DMI Seminar Series