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Multifunctional Nanoparticles with Superparamagnetic Mn(II) Ferrite and Luminescent Gold Nanoclusters for Multimodal
Bárbara Casteleiro1,2, Mariana Rocha2, Ana R Sousa2,3
1Centro de Química Estrutural, Institute of Molecular Sciences (IMS) and Departamento de Engenharia Química, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001 Lisboa, Portugal.
Polymers
|November 25, 2023
Summary
Researchers developed novel nanocomposite particles combining near-infrared fluorescence from gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) and superparamagnetism. These biocompatible materials show promise for advanced multimodal bioimaging applications.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Gold nanoclusters (AuNCs) exhibit unique optical properties, including near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence.
- Mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) offer versatile platforms for incorporating functional materials.
- Superparamagnetic nanoparticles are valuable for magnetic separation and imaging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize novel nanocomposite particles integrating NIR-fluorescent AuNCs and superparamagnetic properties.
- To develop a biocompatible material for potential multimodal bioimaging.
- To characterize the optical and magnetic properties of the synthesized nanocomposites.
Main Methods:
- A one-pot synthesis procedure was employed to incorporate AuNCs into MSNs.
- The method was adapted to create core-shell nanocomposites with a manganese ferrite core and AuNC-decorated silica shell.
- Particle size, NIR photoluminescence (quantum yield, Stokes shift), and superparamagnetism (saturation magnetization) were characterized.
Main Results:
- Hybrid MSNs of 49 nm and nanocomposite particles of 30 nm were successfully synthesized.
- The nanocomposite particles exhibit NIR photoluminescence with 0.6% quantum yield and a 290 nm Stokes shift.
- The nanocomposites demonstrated superparamagnetic behavior at 300 K with a saturation magnetization of 13.4 emu g⁻¹.
Conclusions:
- The study successfully demonstrates the conjugation of NIR photoluminescence and superparamagnetic properties in biocompatible nanocomposite particles.
- These novel nanocomposites hold significant potential for applications in multimodal bioimaging.
- The developed synthesis method offers a versatile route for creating advanced functional nanomaterials.
