Open AccessNanoprobes for Biomedical Imaging with Tunable Near‐Infrared Optical Properties Obtained via Green Synthesis
Author(s) -
Marin Riccardo,
Benayas Antonio,
GarcíaCarillo Nuria,
Lifante José,
Yao Jingke,
Mendez-Gonzalez Diego,
Sanz-Rodríguez Francisco,
RubioRetama Jorge,
Besteiro Lucas V.,
Jaque Daniel
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
advanced photonics research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
ISSN - 2699-9293
DOI - 10.1002/adpr.202100260
Subject(s) - nanomaterials , nanoparticle , environmentally friendly , photoluminescence , nanotechnology , materials science , fluorescence , infrared , photoacoustic imaging in biomedicine , green chemistry , aqueous solution , molecule , chemical engineering , chemistry , optoelectronics , organic chemistry , supramolecular chemistry , optics , ecology , physics , biology , engineering
Ideally, any material used should be nontoxic and produced with safe, inexpensive, and energy‐effective processes. In the case of optically active nanoparticles, this is often not the case, as they are frequently composed of hazardous heavy metals and/or produced with methods far from being environmentally friendly. Herein, the preparation of Ag 2 S‐based nanoparticles via a simple green synthesis route is explored. Aqueous extracts of roasted coffee are used as sources of coordinating molecules. Optimization of the reaction conditions yields dimeric Ag−Ag 2 S nanoparticles, whose near‐infrared photoluminescence can be switched on via H 2 O 2 ‐mediated oxidation. This oxidation transforms suitable photoacoustic contrast agents into fluorescence imaging probes. Theoretical calculations further clarify the role of metallic silver in determining the optical properties of Ag 2 S. Overall, it is demonstrated that nanomaterials with tangible applicative potential can be prepared via cost‐ and energy‐effective synthesis strategies that entail benign, renewable chemicals.