title: Synthesis of luminescent near-infrared AgInS2 nanocrystals as optical probes for in vivo applications.
abstract: Near infrared quantum dots have been receiving great attention as fluorescent optical probes for in vivo imaging applications. In this contribution, we report the synthesis and surface functionalization of cadmium free ternary AgInS2 nanocrystals emitting in the near infrared range for successful in vitro and in vivo bioimaging applications. The FDA approved triblock copolymer Pluronic F127 was used to encapsulate the nanocrystals and made them dispersible in aqueous solution. By employing a whole body small animal optical imaging setup, we were able to use the AgInS2 nanocrystals formulation for passive targeted delivery to the tumor site. The ultra-small crystal size, near-infrared emitting luminescence, and high quantum yield make the AgInS2 nanocrystals an attractive candidate as a biological contrast agent for cancer sensing and imaging.
authors: School of Science, Changchun University of Science and Technology, Changchun 130022, PR China.
authors: Liwei
authors: L
authors: Liu
authors: Rui
authors: R
authors: Hu
authors: Indrajit
authors: I
authors: Roy
authors: Guimiao
authors: G
authors: Lin
authors: Ling
authors: L
authors: Ye
authors: Jessica L
authors: JL
authors: Reynolds
authors: Jianwei
authors: J
authors: Liu
authors: Jing
authors: J
authors: Liu
authors: Stanley A
authors: SA
authors: Schwartz
authors: Xihe
authors: X
authors: Zhang
authors: Ken-Tye
authors: KT
authors: Yong
mesh_terms: D000497:Alloys / Q000737:chemistry; D000818:Animals; D001782:Blood Donors; D003287:Contrast Media / Q000737:chemistry; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005260:Female; D005354:Fibrosarcoma / Q000175:diagnosis; D006801:Humans; D008163:Luminescent Measurements; D051379:Mice; D008819:Mice, Nude; D057054:Molecular Imaging / Q000379:methods*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D045663:Quantum Dots; D051598:Whole Body Imaging
chemical_list: D000497:Alloys; D003287:Contrast Media
keywords: Bioimaging; Nanotoxicity.; Near infrared quantum dots; Surface functionalization; Targeted delivery