Visualization of Membrane Processes in Living Cells by Surface‐Attached Chromatic Polymer Patches

Abstract

Patch work: Through attachment of chromatic polydiacetylene (PDA) nanopatches onto the plasma membrane, real-time visualization of surface processes in living cells is possible (see picture; scale bar: 10 μm). The membrane-incorporated polymer patches did not adversely affect cell vitality for several hours and responded to structural perturbations of the plasma membrane both through induction of fluorescence as well as by undergoing blue–red color changes.