Cationic Lanthanide Luminescent Copolymer: Design, Synthesis and Interaction with DNA

Polymerizable rare earth complex Eu(AA)3Phen was synthesized by complexion of europium ion, acrylic acid (AA), and 1,10-phenanthroline (Phen). The structure and fluorescence properties of the complex were studied by elemental analysis, 1H-NMR spectroscopy, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Eu-containing copolymer poly(PEGMA-co-MMA-co-METAC-co-Eu(AA)3Phen) (PPMMEu) was then synthesized by free radical copolymerization of Eu(AA)3Phen and other functional monomers including poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) and [2-(Methacryloyloxy) ethyl] trimethylammonium chloride (METAC). 1H-NMR spectroscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy were used to characterize the copolymer and the interactions between the copolymer and DNA was investigated by TEM, fluorescence spectroscopy, and agarose gel electrophoresis. The desired luminescent cationic copolymer was successfully obtained. The copolymer can form micelles in water solution and can efficiently bind to DNA molecules through electrostatic interaction. The results suggest the potential use of PPMMEu in bioprobes and gene vectors. © 2011 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.