Fluorescent dye-doped silica nanoparticles: new tools for bioapplications

Abstract

The need to decipher various biological events has led to the elucidation of the molecular mechanisms underlying a number of disease processes. Consequently, the detection and simultaneous monitoring of chemical interactions between biological targets has become indispensable in medical diagnosis, targeted therapeutics, and molecular biology. Multiplexed applications employing nanomaterials, which represent the integration of nanotechnology and biology, have changed the bioanalytical outlook and provided various promising tools. Among these nanomaterials, fluorescent dye-doped silica nanoparticles have demonstrated excellent potential for use in advanced bioanalysis to facilitate deeper understanding of biology and medicine at the molecular level. In particular, silica nanoparticles have been applied to diagnostics and therapeutic applications in cancer and gene/drug delivery. This feature article summarizes recent developments in the synthesis, biocompatibility, and bioapplications of fluorescent dye-doped silica nanoparticles.

Uptake of bright fluorophore core-silica shell nanoparticles by biological systems

“…A large number of dyes have been conjugated to silica nanoparticles, primarily by covalent linkage, and used in biological research for imaging and targeting specific cells by appropriate surface modification of the silica. 30 There are also reports of bioanalysis and biodetection using fluorescently labeled silica particles. 30 Different synthesis protocols are reported, but most studies do not report QY values for bound dye, which would allow for direct comparison of the syntheses.…”

“…30 There are also reports of bioanalysis and biodetection using fluorescently labeled silica particles. 30 Different synthesis protocols are reported, but most studies do not report QY values for bound dye, which would allow for direct comparison of the syntheses. In addition to brightness, the stability of the particles and their ability to retain dyes for certain applications is crucial.…”

Functionalized nanomaterials: their use as contrast agents in bioimaging: mono- and multimodal approaches

“…One material that may prove useful in combining a dual imaging and therapy is mesoporous silica NPs; with their large surface areas and pore volumes, one or two modalities (optical imaging agent and an anticancer drug) can be incorporated into the silica matrix while loading the other modality into its pores. [509][510][511] Encapsulating drug payloads in NPs can prevent exposure of healthy cells to the cytotoxic drug and may prove more beneficial (e.g., lower toxicity and fewer side effects) at lower doses than the free drug. However, this can reveal much more complex than the use of simple small-molecule drugs that are easily characterized.…”

Development of^99mTc-radiolabeled nanosilica for targeted detection of HER2-positive breast cancer

“…28 In this study, monodisperse 50 nm spherical SiNPs were chosen as starting material to generate biocompatible multifunctional nanoconjugates. First, in order to have a fluorescent detectable carrier, the dense core of the SiNPs was loaded with a fluorophore, which was protected by an external denser silica shell necessary to prevent the undesired cargo release and limit the dye bleaching that often leads to misleading optical artifacts.…”