Investigation of the biological properties of tailormade fluorescent nanoparticulates from supercritical water reactions
Lead Research Organisation:
University of Nottingham
Department Name: UNLISTED
Abstract
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Technical Summary
Recent years have seen the field of biological imaging take advantage of the optical properties of metal composite nanoparticles, in particular those which fluoresce. For instance, the dynamic light scattering properties of silver and gold nanoparticles, and the fluorescence of semiconductor based quantum dots allow their use as ?contrast? reagents in electron microscopy and fluorescence imaging. Most established methods for producing nanoparticles involve relatively noxious chemicals, have a complex and time-consuming sequence of stages, or may require expensive precursors. Trace amounts of these precursors in the product can have a significant negative effect on cells.
The lead investigator has designed a novel supercritical water reactor which allows the continuous production of metal nanoparticles which are stable in aqueous suspension. This is particularly advantageous with respect to biological applications since the nanoparticles can be coated during production and their size and morphology can be altered simply by adjusting the operating parameters of temperature, flow rate and metal salt concentration. The metal precursors are simple organic salts, such as acetates and formates which are biologically benign. In a manner akin to quantum dots, these particles can have intrinsic fluorescent properties and lend themselves to use in biological imaging.
This work will allow initial investigations into how composition and size of nanoparticles can be optimized to suit these types of applications. We will initially synthesis nanoparticles ranging from 5-100nm from a range of metal salts including hematite, silver, ZrO2, TiO2 and YAG doped with rare earth elements. The effect of their composition and size on their fluorescent properties will be investigated using standard spectroscopy techniques. The suitability of the nanoparticles for biological imaging will be tested using standard fluorescence microscopy, and in positive cases, using live cell confocal imaging experiments. These experiments will use a number of model cell types and primary human cell lines. Particles will be assessed for brightness, photostability and as to whether they are taken up by cells. We will determine if there is an empirical relationship relating size and composition to brightness and uptake. This can then be used to design new and more useful nanoparticles.
To date, work using particles from hydrothermal synthesis in cell imaging is limited and little progress can be made without this collaborative effort. The training provided for the chemical engineers in imaging and cell work will provide a sound platform for developing the use of water born nanoparticles in biological imaging.
The lead investigator has designed a novel supercritical water reactor which allows the continuous production of metal nanoparticles which are stable in aqueous suspension. This is particularly advantageous with respect to biological applications since the nanoparticles can be coated during production and their size and morphology can be altered simply by adjusting the operating parameters of temperature, flow rate and metal salt concentration. The metal precursors are simple organic salts, such as acetates and formates which are biologically benign. In a manner akin to quantum dots, these particles can have intrinsic fluorescent properties and lend themselves to use in biological imaging.
This work will allow initial investigations into how composition and size of nanoparticles can be optimized to suit these types of applications. We will initially synthesis nanoparticles ranging from 5-100nm from a range of metal salts including hematite, silver, ZrO2, TiO2 and YAG doped with rare earth elements. The effect of their composition and size on their fluorescent properties will be investigated using standard spectroscopy techniques. The suitability of the nanoparticles for biological imaging will be tested using standard fluorescence microscopy, and in positive cases, using live cell confocal imaging experiments. These experiments will use a number of model cell types and primary human cell lines. Particles will be assessed for brightness, photostability and as to whether they are taken up by cells. We will determine if there is an empirical relationship relating size and composition to brightness and uptake. This can then be used to design new and more useful nanoparticles.
To date, work using particles from hydrothermal synthesis in cell imaging is limited and little progress can be made without this collaborative effort. The training provided for the chemical engineers in imaging and cell work will provide a sound platform for developing the use of water born nanoparticles in biological imaging.
