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Synthesis of Core-shell Lanthanide-doped Upconversion Nanocrystals for Cellular Applications
Published on: November 10, 2017
Orthogonal functionalisation of upconverting NaYF4 nanocrystals
Valerio Voliani1, María González-Béjar, Vicente Herranz-Pérez
1Universidad de Valencia, Instituto de Ciencia Molecular, ICMol, Catedrático José Beltrán, 2, 46980 Paterna, Valencia (Spain). valerio.voliani@uv.es.
Chemistry (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany)
|August 15, 2013
Summary
Researchers developed a method to attach two different molecules to upconverting nanocrystals (UCNCs) using specific chemical reactions. This creates dual-functional UCNCs that are water-dispersible, non-toxic, and suitable for biological applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Bioconjugation Chemistry
Background:
- Upconverting nanocrystals (UCNCs) offer unique optical properties but require functionalization for biological applications.
- Orthogonal functionalization allows for the precise attachment of multiple molecules to a single nanoparticle.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a simple and efficient method for the orthogonal functionalization of Yb(3+)/Er(3+)-doped NaYF4 UCNCs.
- To create water-dispersible, non-cytotoxic UCNCs with dual reactive groups for modular bioconjugation.
Main Methods:
- Encapsulation of UCNCs in poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) derivatives with distinct amino and carboxylic groups.
- Utilizing N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl)-N'-ethylcarbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) chemistry for selective covalent conjugation of dyes.
- Characterization using spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, electron microscopy, and confocal microscopy.
Main Results:
- Successfully synthesized PEG-encapsulated UCNCs with accessible peripheral amine and carboxylic groups.
- Demonstrated selective and covalent attachment of two different dyes to the UCNCs.
- Confirmed water-dispersibility, stability in physiological conditions, low cytotoxicity, and cellular uptake of functionalized UCNCs.
Conclusions:
- A straightforward and modular approach for creating dual-functional UCNCs is established.
- The developed UCNCs are suitable for advanced bioimaging and therapeutic applications due to their biocompatibility and dual-functionalization capability.
