Stable aqueous ZnO@polymer core-shell nanoparticles with tunable photoluminescence and their application in cell imaging.
Stable aqueous solutions of ZnO@polymer core-shell nanoparticles with tunable photoluminescence are prepared through a simple sol-gel route. The copolymer shell has many hydrophilic external groups and a hydrophobic internal layer which connects ZnO cores through covalent bonds. The optimal samples show quantum yield above 50% and stable emission for months. These samples with their concentrations of below 0.2 mg/mL are nontoxic to human cells. After uptake of these ZnO@polymer nanoparticles, the luminescent cells have enough life under UV light for microscopic imaging.
Xiong
Huan-Ming
HM
Department of Chemistry and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, Fudan University, Shanghai 200433, PR China. hmxiong@fudan.edu.cn
Xu
Yang
Y
Ren
Qing-Guang
QG
Xia
Yong-Yao
YY
D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D006801:Humans; D049449:Luminescence; D008689:Methacrylates / Q000737:chemistry*; D008860:Microscopy, Ultraviolet / Q000379:methods*; D009570:Nitriles / Q000737:chemistry*; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols / Q000737:chemistry*; D045663:Quantum Dots; D012996:Solutions; D014466:Ultraviolet Rays; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry; D015034:Zinc Oxide / Q000737:chemistry*
D008689:Methacrylates; D009570:Nitriles; D012996:Solutions; C524499:polyethylene glycol methacrylate; D014867:Water; D011092:Polyethylene Glycols; C004526:azobis(isobutyronitrile); D015034:Zinc Oxide