Polymeric nanoparticles with potential applications in sensing and biosensing

Because of their unique photophysical properties and superior sensitivity, the optically active nanoparticles are extensively applied in the field of sensing, biosensing and bioimaging. Over the past few years, the polymeric nanoparticles (PNPs) have emerged as a novel, optically active nanomaterial because of their high and tunable fluorescence quantum yield, fast emission rate, high fluorescence brightness, biocompatibility, low cytotoxicity, and photostability. The PNPs are prepared either from conjugated/nonconjugated polymers or polymerization of suitable monomers, and employed in various biological and medicinal applications like sensing and biosensing, controlled drug delivery, nanomedicines, catalysis, wastewater treatment, and so forth. This chapter is focused on reviewing the recent advances on PNPs synthesis, characterization, and their application in the field of sensing and biosensing.