Methods and compositions for pathogen detection using fluorescent polymer sensors

Abstract

Compositions, methods and related apparatus, as can be used for selective pathogen detection and identification.

1 - 27 . (canceled) 
     
     
         28 . A composition comprising
 a plurality of non-covalent complexes between a plurality of nanoparticles and a fluorescent polymer,
 wherein each of the plurality of nanoparticles comprises an inner metallic core and a coating layer comprising a cationic ligand, 
 wherein the fluorescent polymer comprises an anionic group, and 
 wherein fluorescence of the polymer in the non-covalent complexes is quenched. 
   
     
     
         29 . The composition of  claim 28 , wherein the plurality of non-covalent complexes comprise at least three non-covalent complexes between at least three different nanoparticles and a fluorescent polymer. 
     
     
         30 . The composition of  claim 28 , wherein the cationic ligand comprises a quaternary ammonium ion. 
     
     
         31 . The composition of  claim 28 , wherein the fluorescent polymer is a synthetic 7-conjugated polymer. 
     
     
         32 . The composition of  claim 31 , wherein the synthetic π-conjugated polymer comprises a structural unit of: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein R 1  and R 2  are independently selected from H, alkyl and oxa-substituted alkyl groups; R′ 1 , and R′ 2  are independently selected from H and alkyl groups; provided that at least one of R′ 1  and R′ 2  comprises a charged group. 
     
     
         33 . The composition of  claim 32 , wherein at least one of R′ 1 , and R′ 2  comprises a carboxylate or a sulfate anion and a counter cation. 
     
     
         34 . The composition of  claim 33 , wherein each of R′ 1 , and R′ 2  is: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         35 . The composition of  claim 32 , wherein at least one of R 1 , and R 2  comprises a poly(alkylene oxide) group. 
     
     
         36 . The article of  claim 35  wherein each of R 1 , and R 2  is: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         37 . A composition comprising
 a plurality of non-covalent complexes between a nanoparticle and a plurality of fluorescent polymers,
 wherein the nanoparticle comprises an inner metallic core and a coating layer comprising a cationic ligand, 
 wherein each of the fluorescent polymers comprises an anionic group, and 
 wherein fluorescence of the fluorescent polymers in the non-covalent complexes is quenched. 
   
     
     
         38 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the plurality of non-covalent complexes comprise at least three non-covalent complexes between a nanoparticle and at least three different fluorescent polymers. 
     
     
         39 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein the coating layer of the nanoparticle has covalently bond thereon a cationic ligand having the structure of 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein R is selected from: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         40 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein at least one of the fluorescent polymers is a synthetic π-conjugated polymer. 
     
     
         41 . The composition of  claim 40 , wherein each of the π-conjugated polymers comprises a structural unit of: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
       wherein R 1  and R 2  are independently selected from H, alkyl and oxa-substituted alkyl groups; provided that at least one of R 1  and R 2  comprises a charged group. 
     
     
         42 . The composition of  claim 41 , wherein at least one of R 1 , and R 2  comprises a carboxylate or a sulfate anion and a counter cation. 
     
     
         43 . The composition of  claim 42 , wherein each of R 1 , and R 2  is: 
       
         
           
           
               
               
           
         
       
     
     
         44 . The composition of  claim 37 , wherein at least one of the fluorescent polymers is a natural fluorescent protein. 
     
     
         45 . The composition of  claim 44 , wherein the natural fluorescent polymer comprises a green fluorescent protein. 
     
     
         46 . A composition useful for detecting the presence of a pathogen analyte, comprising a composition of any of  claims 28 . 
     
     
         47 . An assay for detecting the presence of a pathogen analyte, comprising composition of any of  claims 28 .