Synthesis and application of polystyrene latex microspheres
Abstract
The aims of this project were the synthesis of polystyrene latex microspheres, within a size range capable of being able to be taken up by cells, and their subsequent functionalization with biomolecules, such as oligonucleotides or oligopeptides. Polystyrene latex microspheres possessing hydroxy, carboxylate and amino functionalities were synthesized by emulsifier-free emulsion co-polymerization. The polystyrene latex microspheres were characterized by IR and titration methods. The size distribution was determined by scanning electron microscopy and photon correlation spectroscopy. The synthesized microspheres were labelled with dyes such as 4(5)- carboxyfluorescein and studies with ND7 cells indicated cellular uptake of these microspheres, offering potential for development as a reporter or carrier system. Successful solution phase studies with microsphere bound olgionucleotides and a FRET peptide showed the possibility of use as a real time probe.