Multi-photon imaging of amine-functionalized silica nanoparticles.
A convenient and simple strategy for preparing water soluble, photoluminescent functionalized silica nanoparticles (M-dots) in the absence of fluorophores or metal doping is demonstrated. These M-dots can be used for bioimaging using one and two-photon microscopy. Because of their high photostability, low toxicity and high biocompatibility compared with Lumidot™ CdSe/ZnS quantum dots, functionalized silica particles are superior alternatives for current bioimaging platforms. Moreover, the presence of a free amine group at the surface of the M-dots allows biomolecule conjugation (e.g. with antibodies, proteins) in a single step for converting these photoluminescent SiO(2) nanoparticles into multifunctional efficient vehicles for theragnostics.
Institut für Anorganische Chemie und Analytische Chemie, Johannes Gutenberg-Universität, Duesbergweg 10-14, 55099 Mainz, Germany.
Filipe
F
Natalio
Anubha
A
Kashyap
Steffen
S
Lorenz
Hannes
H
Kerschbaumer
Michael
M
Dietzsch
Muhammad Nawaz
MN
Tahir
Heinz
H
Duschner
Susanne
S
Strand
Dennis
D
Strand
Wolfgang
W
Tremel
D000588:Amines / Q000737:chemistry*; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002478:Cells, Cultured; D006801:Humans; D008856:Microscopy, Fluorescence; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000633:toxicity; D011108:Polymers / Q000737:chemistry; D045663:Quantum Dots; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry*
D000588:Amines; D011108:Polymers; D012822:Silicon Dioxide