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Silica nanoparticles for cell imaging and intracellular sensing
B Korzeniowska1, R Nooney, D Wencel
1Optical Sensors Laboratory, School of Physical Sciences, NCSR, Dublin City University, Dublin 9, Ireland.
Nanotechnology
|October 12, 2013
Summary
Fluorescent silica nanoparticles offer sensitive cell imaging and intracellular sensing. This review covers their synthesis, functionalization, and applications in cancer, stem cell, and infectious disease research.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Nanoparticles (NPs) are increasingly used in biomedical applications.
- Nanobiophotonics, particularly fluorescence, provides high sensitivity and selectivity.
- Fluorescent silica NPs are promising for advanced biomedical uses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review fluorescent silica NPs for cell imaging and intracellular sensing.
- To complement existing reviews on nanobiophotonic applications.
- To highlight synthesis, functionalization, and application advancements.
Main Methods:
- Summarized Stöber and microemulsion synthesis processes.
- Discussed covalent and physical dye incorporation methods.
- Evaluated NP functionalization strategies for biomolecule conjugation.
Main Results:
- Detailed recent applications in cancer, stem cell, and infectious disease imaging.
- Reviewed intracellular sensing of oxygen, pH, and ionic species.
- Highlighted NP functionalization for targeted delivery and sensing.
Conclusions:
- Fluorescent silica NPs show significant potential in diagnostics and therapeutics.
- Challenges remain for widespread in vivo applications.
- Further research is needed to overcome obstacles for clinical translation.
