Ferrocene-anchored poly(norbornene) for ATP sensing using indicator displacement assay

A new amphiphilic polynorbornene-based copolymer P1 was designed and synthesized successfully by ring-opening metathesis polymerization (ROMP) of polyethylene glycol (PEG) containing monomer NB-PEG and ferreocene-anchored monomer NB-Fc . The copolymer P1 can bind with anionic uranine dye ( UD ) through multiple interactions to form no fluorescent P1 / UD nano-structure ensemble in aqueous solution. The P1 / UD ensemble can be used as indicator displacement assay (IDA) for ATP detection with a high sensitivity and selectivity. Upon the addition of ATP, the fluorescence is significant enhanced for displacement of UD from P1 / UD ensemble. The LOD value of P1 / UD ensemble toward ATP is as low as 35.9 nM. The P1 / UD ensemble exhibits an excellent photo-stability and biocompatibility, and has been successfully used for imaging ATP in living cells.