Abstract: We reported the effect of several kinds of surfactants on the fluorescent properties of a new watersoluble fluorescent polymer (PPESO₃) synthesized in this paper. The results show that anionic surfactant can quench the fluorescence of PPESO₃, the neutral surfactant can increase obviously the fluorescenceof PPESO₃, and the cationic surfactant can also increase the fluorescence of PPESO₃ in a general way. This kind of polymer can be developed into a sensitive sensor by virtue of the property of surfactant induced fluorescence enhancement. This study will provide a theoretical account for the study of water soluble fluorescent polymers such as PPESO₃ and their biological applications.

Key words: fluorescent polymers, surfactant, PPESO₃