title: Silicon nanoparticles: applications in cell biology and medicine.
abstract: In this review, we describe the synthesis, physical properties, surface functionalization, and biological applications of silicon nanoparticles (also known as quantum dots). We compare them against current technologies, such as fluorescent organic dyes and heavy metal chalcogenide-based quantum dots. In particular, we examine the many different methods that can be used to both create and modify these nanoparticles and the advantages they may have over current technologies that have stimulated research into designing silicon nanoparticles for in vitro and in vivo applications.
authors.affiliation: School of Natural Sciences, University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK. norah_ofarrell@hsa.ie
authors.forename: Norah
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: O'Farrell
authors.forename: Andrew
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Houlton
authors.forename: Benjamin R
authors.initials: BR
authors.lastname: Horrocks
mesh_terms: D015510:Clinical Medicine / Q000639:trends; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*; D008967:Molecular Biology / Q000379:methods; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000648:ultrastructure*; D045663:Quantum Dots; D012825:Silicon / Q000737:chemistry*; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence / Q000379:methods*
chemical_list: D012825:Silicon