Abstract
Imaging of biological matter by using fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) is becoming a widespread method for in vitro imaging. However, currently there is no fluorescent NP that satisfies all necessary criteria for short-term in vivo imaging: biocompatibility, biodegradability, photostability, suitable wavelengths of absorbance and fluorescence that differ from tissue auto-fluorescence, and near infrared (NIR) emission. In this paper, we report on the photoluminescent properties of magnesium oxide (MgO) NPs that meet all these criteria. The optical defects, attributed to vanadium and chromium ion substitutional defects, emitting in the NIR, are observed at room temperature in NPs of commercial and in-house ball-milled MgO nanoparticles, respectively. As such, the NPs have been successfully integrated into cultured cells and photostable bright in vitro emission from NPs was recorded and analyzed. We expect that numerous biotechnological and medical applications will emerge as this nanomaterial satisfies all criteria for short-term in vivo imaging.
Highlights
Nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted considerable interest as diagnostic and therapeutic tools for biomedicine [1,2,3]
For in vivo applications the light emission should be in near-infrared range (NIR), from 700 to 900 nm, as NIR light penetrates centimetres into tissue, whereas visible light can only travel microns [5]
It is envisioned that these fluorescent, non-toxic, degradable magnesium oxide (MgO) NPs could be manufactured to target the tumor through size-dependent enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects and/or binding of ligands that recognize receptors on cancer cells
Summary
Nanoparticles (NPs) have attracted considerable interest as diagnostic and therapeutic tools for biomedicine [1,2,3]. The fluorescence provides the ability to track them in biological cells and tissues In this manuscript we describe the optical characterisation of ball-milled and commercially available MgO NPs, and their suitability for bioimaging applications. The pressing need for the fluorescence guided surgery through the use of fluorescent nanoparticles has been clearly identified for two main reasons: (a) for tumours that are difficult to differentiate from adjacent normal tissues, such as for breast cancer, and (b) for tumours that are close to crucial structures, such as for brain tumours [5] In such applications, it is envisioned that these fluorescent, non-toxic, degradable MgO NPs could be manufactured to target the tumor through size-dependent enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effects and/or binding of ligands that recognize receptors on cancer cells. These NPs could be engineered to carry chemotherapy drugs that are delivered locally to the targeted tumour tissue to improve treatment efficacy and minimize systemic toxicity
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
