Efficient and White-Light-Like\nEmission from Nonconventional\nLuminescent Materials in Solution States

Nonconventional luminescent materials (NLMs) offer promising\nalternatives\nto traditional organic luminophores owing to their lack of extensive\nπ-conjugated structures. These materials offer inherent advantages\nlike good biocompatibility, hydrophilicity, low cytotoxicity, and\nenvironmental friendliness, along with simple synthesis methods. However,\nachieving efficient luminescence in NLMs often necessitates highly\nconcentrated solutions or solid states, which can be detrimental to\ncells due to cytotoxicity and osmotic pressure changes, hindering\ntheir potential in bioimaging. This work presents the synthesis of\nthree polyesters, HJ-1, HJ-2, and HJ-3, via a ring-opening reaction\nof diglycidyl 1,2-cyclohexanedicarboxylate with enamines. These polymers\nexhibit remarkable concentration- and excitation wavelength-dependent\nfluorescence emission in dilute solutions, achieving a maximum\nquantum yield of 8.8% at 0.1 mg/mL. Notably, HJ-3 displays a rare\nwhite-like emission in solution. Additionally, these NLMs demonstrate\nsensitivity to temperature and pH variations, making them promising\nfluorescent probes. Their low cytotoxicity, good biocompatibility,\nand efficient low-concentration luminescence highlight their potential\nas valuable tools for cell imaging applications.