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Encapsulation of Noble Metal Nanoparticles through Seeded Emulsion Polymerization as Highly Stable Plasmonic Systems
Author(s) -
Scarabelli Leonardo,
Schumacher Marius,
Jimenez de Aberasturi Dorleta,
Merkl JanPhilip,
HenriksenLacey Malou,
Milagres de Oliveira Thais,
Janschel Marcus,
Schmidtke Christian,
Bals Sara,
Weller Horst,
LizMarzán Luis M.
Publication year - 2019
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.201809071
Subject(s) - materials science , nanoparticle , biocompatibility , nanotechnology , noble metal , polymer , emulsion , polymerization , emulsion polymerization , chemical engineering , metal , composite material , metallurgy , engineering
The implementation of plasmonic nanoparticles in vivo remains hindered by important limitations such as biocompatibility, solubility in biological fluids, and physiological stability. A general and versatile protocol is presented, based on seeded emulsion polymerization, for the controlled encapsulation of gold and silver nanoparticles. This procedure enables the encapsulation of single nanoparticles as well as nanoparticle clusters inside a protecting polymer shell. Specifically, the efficient coating of nanoparticles of both metals is demonstrated, with final dimensions ranging between 50 and 200 nm, i.e., sizes of interest for bio‐applications. Such hybrid nanocomposites display extraordinary stability in high ionic strength and oxidizing environments, along with high cellular uptake, and low cytotoxicity. Overall, the prepared nanostructures are promising candidates for plasmonic applications under biologically relevant conditions.