Multi-photon imaging of amine-functionalized silica nanoparticles?

Nanoscale Pub Date: 2012-05-03 DOI: 10.1039/C2NR30660C

Abstract

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 SiO2 nanoparticles into multifunctional efficient vehicles for theragnostics.

Graphical abstract: Multi-photon imaging of amine-functionalized silica nanoparticles
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