Synthesis and Characterization of Photoswitchable Fluorescent SiO₂ Nanoparticles

Abstract

Switchable fluorescent silica nanoparticles have been prepared by covalently incorporating a fluorophore and a photochromic compound inside the particle core. The fluorescence can be switched reversibly between an on- and off-state via energy transfer. The particles were synthesized using different amounts of the photoswitchable compound (spiropyran) and the fluorophore (rhodamine B) in a size distribution between 98 and 140 nm and were characterized in terms of size, switching properties, and fluorescence efficiency by TEM, and UV\Vis and fluorescence spectroscopy.

Nanotechnologies

“…The size of the particles varies and these are being investigated for applications in molecular diagnostics. Fluorescent nanoparticles can also be used as labels for immunometric assays Switchable fluorescent silica nanoparticles have been prepared by covalently incorporating a fluorophore and a photochromic compound inside the particle core (May et al 2012). The fluorescence can be switched reversibly between an on-and off-state via energy transfer.…”

Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles for Medical Imaging

“…In heterogeneous nucleation, the diameter of the NPs decreases in relation to the concentration of the fluorescent dye additive. 83 The kind of nucleation depends on the properties of the precursors and the additives used in the synthesis.…”

Photoswitchable fluorescent diheteroarylethenes: substituent effects on photochromic and solvatochromic properties

“…the ability to undergo numerous reversible cycles of photoconversion. The class of fluorophores that exhibit light-dependent interconversions of this nature include fluorescent proteins, 15,16 nanoparticles, 17,18 and organic dyes. 19,20 The latter are most often subjected to fine control by exposure to reagents affecting redox states 12,21 and excited state dynamics.…”