ROS self-scavenging polythiophene materials for cell imaging

A conjugated polymer (PTDHP) was synthesized by modifying the side chain of cationic polythiophene (PT) with a dihydropyridine (DHP) group via a click reaction. PTDHP has a unique ROS self-scavenging ability through the oxidation of the DHP into a pyridine structure upon light irradiation. Thus, PTDHP achieves cell imaging with good photo-stability and low photo-cytotoxicity.