Core-shell nanoparticles, methods of producing the same, and uses thereof for detecting extracellular polymeric substances

Abstract

Disclosed herein is a core-shell nanoparticle exhibiting aggregation induced emission (AIE) properties. According to the embodiments of the present disclosure, the core-shell nanoparticle comprises a core and a shell layer encapsulating the core, in which the core comprises a polymeric matrix and one or more tetraphenylethane (TPE) embedded in the polymeric matrix. Preferably, the polymeric matrix is made of a hydrophobic polymer, and the shell layer is made of a hydrophilic polymer. Also disclosed herein are methods of producing the core-shell nanoparticle, and methods of detecting an extracellular polymeric substance (EPS) produced by a microorganism via using the core-shell nanoparticle.