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Generic Method of Preparing Multifunctional Fluorescent Nanoparticles Using Flash NanoPrecipitation
Author(s) -
Akbulut Mustafa,
Ginart Paul,
Gindy Marian E.,
Theriault Christian,
Chin Katherine H.,
Soboyejo Winston,
Prud'homme Robert K.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
advanced functional materials
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 6.069
H-Index - 322
eISSN - 1616-3028
pISSN - 1616-301X
DOI - 10.1002/adfm.200801583
Subject(s) - fluorescence , fluorophore , materials science , nanoparticle , surface modification , photobleaching , nanotechnology , amphiphile , biocompatibility , biological imaging , drug delivery , chemical engineering , copolymer , polymer , physics , quantum mechanics , engineering , composite material , metallurgy
There is increased demand for nanoparticles with a high fluorescence yield that have the desired excitation wavelength, surface functionalization, and particle size to act as biological probes. Here, a simple, rapid, and robust method, Flash NanoPrecipitation (FNP), to produce such fluorescent nanoparticles is described. This process involves encapsulation of a hydrophobic fluorophore with an amphiphilic biocompatible diblock copolymer in a kinetically frozen state. FNP is used to produce nanoparticles ranging from 30 to 800 nm with fluorescence emission peaks ranging from, but not limited to, 370 nm to 720 nm. Such fluorescent nanoparticles remain stable in aqueous solutions, and, in contrast to soluble dyes, show no photobleaching. Fluorophores and drugs are incorporated into a single nanoparticle, allowing for simultaneous drug delivery and biological imaging. In addition, functionalization of nanoparticle surfaces with disease‐specific ligands permits precise cell targeting. These features make FNP‐produced fluorescent nanoparticles highly desirable for various biological applications.