Stable Colloidal Suspensions Research Articles

Zein Nanoparticles and Strategies to Improve Colloidal Stability: A Mini-Review.

Zein, a protein extracted from maize, can be employed to easily produce nanoscale particles suitable for use as carrier systems. This review investigates the main methods for obtaining zein nanoparticles, as well as the problems and options available in the development of stable colloidal suspensions. Considerable gaps were identified in the literature concerning this topic, with studies being unclear about the factors that affect the stability of zein particles. In the vast majority of cases, no data are presented in relation to the stability of the formulations over time. It could be concluded that in order to produce a high quality system, detailed evaluation is required, considering factors including the zein concentration, pH, ionic strength, thermal treatment of the protein prior to preparation of the nanoparticles, strategies employing other materials as coatings, and the storage conditions. It is extremely important that these aspects should be considered during product development, prior to commercial-scale manufacture.

Co-exposure to titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NpTiO2) and lead at environmentally relevant concentrations in the Neotropical fish species Hoplias intermedius.

Growing production and utilization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (NpTiO2) invariably lead to their accumulation in oceans, rivers and other water bodies, thus increasing the risk to the welfare of this ecosystem. The progressive launch of these nanoparticles in the environment has been accompanied by concern in understanding the dynamics and the toxic effect of these xenobiotic in different ecosystems, either on their own or in tandem with different contaminants (such as organic compounds and heavy metals), possibly altering their toxicity. Nevertheless, it remains unknown if these combined effects may induce damage in freshwater organisms. Therefore, this study aimed to analyze the consequences caused by NpTiO2, after a waterborne exposure of 96 h to a Neotropical fish species Hoplias intermedius, as well as after a co-exposure with lead, whose effects for fish have already been well described in the literature. The characterization of NpTiO2 stock suspension was carried out in order to provide additional information and revealed a stable colloidal suspension. As a result, NpTiO2 showed some genotoxic effects which were observed by comet assay in gill, kidney and brain cells. Also, the activity of brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has not changed, but the activity of muscle AChE decreased in the group exposed only to PbII. Regarding the hepatic antioxidant system, catalase (CAT) did not show any change in its activity, whereas that of superoxide dismutase (SOD) intensified in the groups submitted only to PbII and NpTiO2 alone. As for lipid peroxidation, there was a decrease in the group exposed to the NpTiO2 alone and to the co-exposed group (NpTiO2+PbII). As far as metallothionein is concerned, its concentration rose for the co-exposed group (NpTiO2+PbII) and for the group exposed to PbII alone. Overall, we may conclude that NpTiO2 alone caused DNA damage to vital tissues. Also, some impairment related to the antioxidant mechanism was described but it is probably not related to the DNA damage observed, suggesting that the genotoxic effect observed may be due to a different mechanism instead of ROS production.

Surface oxidation of single wall carbon nanohorns for the production of surfactant free water-based colloids

In this work, powders of Single Wall Carbon Nanohorns (SWCNHs), a typical hydrophobic material, were oxidized with concentrated HNO3 with the aim of surface carboxylation and consequent improved hydrophilicity and dispersibility in polar solvents. Dynamic Light Scattering and ζ-potential measurements demonstrated that very stable colloidal suspensions of SWCNH in water were obtained in total absence of stabilizers. By properly optimizing the reaction parameters, the suspensions achieved stability even higher than colloids with similar composition but prepared with the use of surfactants. Surface damage and oxidation degree of SWCNHs were evaluated by SEM microscopy, Thermogravimetric Analysis, Residual Gas Analysis, XPS and UV–visible spectroscopy.

Nanoparticulate delivery systems for alkyl gallates: Influence of the elaboration process on particle characteristics, drug encapsulation and in-vitro release

PLA nanoparticles loaded with n-alkyl gallates (AGs) were prepared either by nanoprecipitation (NP) or by O/W emulsion/solvent evaporation (E/SE). A nonionic hydrophobically modified polysaccharide was used for surface coverage and for ensuring colloidal stability. Different parameters were systematically assessed to enhance the drug incorporation, with the aim of obtaining monomodal and narrow particle size distributions. The nanoparticles were characterized by 1H NMR, transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and laser light scattering granulometry. The colloidal stability of suspensions was evaluated after incubation in NaCl solutions and was maintained up to 1M NaCl. The mean particle diameter and the width of size distribution were found very similar for both processes (slightly lower diameters when using E/SE) with various drug loadings. The amount of encapsulated AG by E/SE was about twice that encapsulated by NP. The in-vitro release of AG was evaluated under sink conditions and no burst effect was observed. Release curves were successfully modeled using the Fick diffusion model with a constant diffusion coefficient and assuming non-swellable particles. Diffusion coefficients of AG loaded in nanoparticles prepared by NP were higher than those found in nanoparticles elaborated by E/SE.

Comb‐shaped copolymer as filtrate loss reducer for water‐based drilling fluid

ABSTRACTA new comb‐shaped copolymer was synthesized by free radical copolymerization of 2‐acrylamide‐2‐methyl propane sulfonic acid, acrylamide, N‐vinyl‐2‐pyrrolidone, and allyl polyoxyethylene ether (APEG) monomers. The copolymer was evaluated as a filtrate loss reducer in water‐based drilling fluid at 180 °C environment, and found to work well without causing high viscosity effect. Composition of the copolymer was determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, and gel permeation chromatography. FTIR, X‐ray diffraction,, and environmental scanning electron microscopy characterizations were used to probe the filtrate loss mechanism of the comb‐shaped copolymer. Thermogravimetry and differential scanning calorimetry results showed that thermal degradation of the copolymer is not obvious before 293.6 °C. The copolymer is found to be superior to its commercially available counterparts for controlling filtrate loss volume and maintaining a steady viscosity after 180 °C aging. Higher content of APEG in the copolymer helps maintain rheological properties of the drilling fluid after aging and reduces filtrate loss volume. The morphology of the copolymer in aqueous solution displays a comb‐shaped 3D structure and shows clear adsorption onto clay particles. The working mechanism for copolymer is that anchoring groups bind the copolymer onto clay particles through different binding mechanisms, while colloidal suspension stability is achieved by steric hindrance and electrostatic repulsion, as well as through PEG segment intercalation into clay lamellae. The copolymer is able to cover and seal the micro‐holes in the mud cake even at high temperature to reduce permeability. © 2017 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2018, 135, 45989.

Evaluating the Dispersant Stabilization of Colloidal Suspensions from the Scaling Behavior of Gel Rheology and Adsorption Measurements.

Maintaining suspension stability by effective particle dispersion in systems with attractive interactions can be accomplished by the addition of dispersants that modify the interparticle potential to provide steric or electrostatic barriers against aggregation. The efficacy of such dispersants is typically considered simply by the modification of suspension rheological properties as a function of the overall added dispersant concentration. However, such considerations do little to reveal the molecular origin of differences in dispersant efficacy because they do not consider differences in surface activity. We combine measured adsorption isotherms with the rheological characterization of the elasticity of colloidal gels formed by particle aggregation to provide a more meaningful assessment of dispersant efficacy. The rheological data show that the dispersants are effective at reducing particle aggregation, whereas, from the adsorption isotherms, they differ considerably in their surface coverage at constant overall concentration. When compared at constant dispersant particle surface coverage, the gel rheology shows marked differences across the different dispersants, as opposed to comparisons at constant overall dispersant concentration in the suspensions. In particular, the power-law volume fraction scaling of gel elasticity at constant coverage reveals clear differences in the critical volume fraction for gel formation for the different dispersants. The most efficacious dispersant is that associated with the largest critical volume fraction for gel formation at a given surface coverage. This work demonstrates the utility of rheological investigations coupled with accurate determinations of surface coverage to better differentiate dispersant performance, which may improve efforts to engineer new dispersant molecules.

Design and criticality analysis of colloidal slurry nuclear reactors

A novel nuclear reactor concept is presented in this paper which can sustain the controlled fission reaction and has an innovative mechanism of reactivity control. The concept of this reactor is based on the stability of colloidal suspensions. These suspensions consist of colloidal fuel particles suspended in a moderator with a controllable separation distance. The packing factor of the colloidal suspension can be controlled by slightly modifying the ionic concentration of the suspension medium, effectively controlling the criticality of the reactor. Based on local average separation distance between particles, thermalization of neutrons can be varied and can be used to manipulate neutron multiplication factor k∞. Numerical calculations are performed with the help of MCNP software to obtain optimal configuration of critical assemblies. For the numerical case studies presented in this paper, uranium dioxide (UO2) fuel particles with size ⩾10μm in different liquid solvents are considered. The fuel particles are simulated as hard spheres packed in Bravais lattice structures within the solvent medium. Simulations involve neutron interactions of a uniform colloidal suspension of spherical fuel elements of diameters 5cm–0.001cm. The homogeneous fuel equivalence was found to occur for particles sized below 0.010cm diameter. Criticality curves are generated for fuel particle configurations with varying particle density, confirming fuel configurations can be controlled by only modifying particle packing factor. Additional criticality curves are generated for various cylindrical geometries of fuel suspension vessels with modular form factors. Triethylene glycol is substituted as a moderator and suspension fluid with higher boiling point as compared to water. The type of moderator or solvent does not have any significant impact on criticality performance.

Structural Transformation of Biochar Black Carbon by C60 Superstructure: Environmental Implications

Pyrogenic carbon is widespread in soil due to wildfires, soot deposition, and intentional amendment of pyrolyzed waste biomass (biochar). Interactions between engineered carbon nanoparticles and natural pyrogenic carbon (char) are unknown. This study first employed transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) to interpret the superstructure composing aqueous fullerene C60 nanoparticles prepared by prolonged stirring of commercial fullerite in water (nC60-stir). The nC60-stir was a superstructure composed of face-centered cubic (fcc) close-packing of near-spherical C60 superatoms. The nC60-stir superstructure (≈100 nm) reproducibly disintegrated pecan shell biochar pellets (2 mm) made at 700 °C into a stable and homogeneous aqueous colloidal (<100 nm) suspension. The amorphous carbon structure of biochar was preserved after the disintegration, which only occurred above the weight ratio of 30,000 biochar to nC60-stir. Favorable hydrophobic surface interactions between nC60-stir and 700 °C biochar likely disrupted van der Waals forces holding together the amorphous carbon units of biochar and C60 packing in the nC60 superstructure.

Use of Biocompatible Sorafenib-gold Nanoconjugates for Reversal of Drug Resistance in Human Hepatoblatoma Cells

The present study identifies the potential of highly biocompatible SF-GNP nano-conjugate to enhance the chemotherapeutic response to combat drug resistance in cancer cells. We developed a stable colloidal suspension of sorafenib-gold nanoconjugate (SF-GNP) of <10 nm size in aqueous medium for reverting the cancer drug resistance in SF-resistant HepG2 cells in a 3D ex-vivo model system. In-vivo biocompatibility assay of SF-GNPs showed absence of systemic toxicological effects including hematological, biochemical and histological parameters. More importantly, the histopathological analysis of vital organs such as liver, brain, lung, kidney and heart showed very least or no sign of inflammation, cell infiltration, necrosis, tissue disorganization or fibrotic reactions after intra-peritoneal administration of SF-GNP nanoconjugates in animals. However, SF-GNP nanoconjugates significantly reduced (>80%) the percentage cell survival and the size and number of SF resistant solid tumor colonies of HepG2 cells in 3D model system. The exposure of SF-GNP nanoconjugate to SF resistant HepG2 cell colonies also provided evidence for anti-proliferative effect and reversal of drug resistance by elucidating the molecular regulatory mechanisms of extracellular matrix factor (CD147), tumor growth factor (TGF-β), hepatoma upregulated protein (hURP) and drug transporter (ABCG-2).

Removal studies of Cr2O3 colloidal particles using cationic poly(l-lysine) and its block copolymers with poly(ethylene glycol)

Cr2O3 dispersions are considered to be dangerous for aqueous ecosystems and for this reason it is necessary to develop methods allowing solid particles separation.Structure of the adsorption layer formed at the solid surface determines the colloidal suspension stability. Moreover, in the case of ionic polymers the solution pH considerably affects the chains arrangement. Hence, the influence of cationic poly(l-lysine) and its copolymers adsorption on the chromium(III) oxide (Cr2O3) particles stability was investigated. Although the analyzed substances are characterized by the similar average molecular weight, they exhibit various macromolecular structures resulting from the different PEG and polyamino acid length ratios. The sample's stability was examined by the use of the turbidimetric method enabling the Turbiscan Stability Index (TSI) parameter calculation.As one can see, solid suspensions without the tested polymers are relatively unstable. At pH 4, introduction of the cationic macromolecules causes the increase in the sample stability. This can be explained by the electrostatic repulsion between the totally ionized polymeric chains adsorbed on the adjacent Cr2O3 particles. At pHpzc, changes in the TSI values are related to the different polymer chain arrangements.

Application of Cu-FAU nanozeolites for decontamination of surfaces soiled with the ESKAPE pathogens

Antimicrobial resistance is a global threat with catastrophic forecasts in terms of human and economic losses. The so-called ESKAPE pathogens (Enterococcus species, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumanii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter species) represent a range of species of particular concern because they cause many serious hospital infections, and can show resistance toward available commercial antibiotics. Copper-containing zeolite nanocrystals (10–30 nm) with FAU-type structure (Cu-FAU), in the form of stable colloidal suspensions, were prepared at high yield in the absence of organic templates and studied for their activity against ESKAPE microorganisms. The materials were active against all six ESKAPE species. The survival of Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa on stainless-steel coupons after direct treatment with the Cu-FAU zeolite suspensions was determined quantitatively. Complete decontamination (5-log reduction in bacterial counts) was achieved within 20 min for P. aeruginosa, and within 10 min for the K. pneumoniae and S. aureus. This result is significant, particularly for sanitization of surfaces in healthcare settings, with the potential to initiate a new direction of research to help address the global antimicrobial resistance threat.

Ionic liquid based extraction of flavonoids from Elaeis guineensis leaves and their applications for gold nanoparticles synthesis

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) are attracting the researchers due to their potential applications in catalysis, bio medical, electrolysis and many other fields. However, a simple, efficient, cost effective and eco-friendly approach is still challenging to synthesize stable AuNPs. Ionic liquid (ILs) assisted bio-synthesis process can be attractive choice to produce AuNPs with enhanced colloidal stability. The aim of the study is to synthesize IL mediated stable AuNPs using bio-compounds extracted from oil palm leaves (OPL). To accelerate this study, IL[C2mim][Br], (1-ethyl-3-methylimidazolium bromide) was utilized for extraction of flavonoids. Changes in total flavonoids contents (TFCs) were measured over time during synthesis reaction of AuNPs to investigate its role for reduction of Au+3. Results suggested a decrease of TFCs from 34.83mg CE/g to 10.98mg CE/g during synthesis reaction which endorsed the contribution of flavonoids to reduce gold ions. The surface chemistry of AuNPs was examined through X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis which revealed a strong interaction of ILs and other organic moieties at their interfaces. AuNPs were also characterized through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) and Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDAX) techniques to study the bio-functional groups, crystalline nature and presence of other elements in the reaction mixture. Colloidal AuNPs examined for two months to observe the change in the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) peak intensities, particles' size and zeta potential value characterized through UV–vis spectrophotometer, Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis, respectively. During experimental period, SPR peaks of AuNPs remained firm to their mean position. Nevertheless, it was observed a minor difference in particles' size and zeta potential values which were changed from 13.30nm and −23.2mV to 15.22nm and −20.9mV respectively endorsing a stable and dispersed colloidal suspension. Based on the flavonoids, a reaction mechanism was proposed to understand the synthesis and stabilization processes of IL mediated AuNPs synthesis.

Colloidal magnetic nanoparticles coated with self-dissolving mixed fatty acid bilayer: A novel host–guest material for controlled release applications

We have recently reported that magnetic nanoparticles coated with oleic acid bilayer can form highly stable colloidal suspension in water. The particles were shown to extract and accommodate dye molecules inside its bilayer structure form solution and from solid surface. Here in, we design a novel colloidal system that can accommodate the dye and then gradually release the same as a function of time without the application of external stimuli. The host–guest type of system is composed of iron oxide nanoparticle as core and a self-dissolving mixed fatty acid bilayer as shell. Rhodamine 6G (R6G) dye was used as probe to study the controlled release process. Increased fluidity was shown to gradually denature the bilayer resulting in slow and controlled release of R6G. Fluidity of the bilayer was tuned with the addition of controlled amounts of linoleic acid. Iron oxide nanoparticles were characterized with high resolution transmission electron microscope and X-ray diffraction. Bilayer formation was characterized with pyrene probe experiments, Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy, thermogravimetry and dynamic light scattering. Release profiles of R6G were studied in PBS and SBF buffer using fluorescence spectroscopy.

Enhanced photoactivity of stable colloidal TiO2 nanoparticles prepared in water by nanosecond infrared laser pulses

A simple laser ablation technique was used to prepare a stable colloidal TiO2 suspension in pure water. A transparent TiO2 aqueous solution was obtained within a few minutes and its photoactivity for the degradation of methylene blue was measured to be higher than that of commercial TiO2 nanoparticles. SEM analysis revealed that the average size of the nanoparticles increased from 20 to 40 nm as the laser power was raised from 0.5 to 2 W. The variation in size, however, had little influence on the resulting photodegradation rate under the given condition. Instead, the photodegradation rate is related to the number of colloidal TiO2 particles in the aqueous solution, which increases proportionally to the ablation time. As the TiO2 particle density increases, however, the photoactivity is measured to be gradually reduced due to the formation of TiO2 aggregates. Thus, the optimum ablation time is 10-30 min under our ablation condition. Our results show that well-dispersed small TiO2 nanoparticles of about a few tens nm can be readily formed by laser ablation within only a few minutes and can be used as highly efficient photocatalysts for photocatalytic remediation of water.

Functionalisation of Colloidal Transition Metal Sulphides Nanocrystals: A Fascinating and Challenging Playground for the Chemist

Metal sulphides, and in particular transition metal sulphide colloids, are a broad, versatile and exciting class of inorganic compounds which deserve growing interest and attention ascribable to the functional properties that many of them display. With respect to their oxide homologues, however, they are characterised by noticeably different chemical, structural and hence functional features. Their potential applications span several fields, and in many of the foreseen applications (e.g., in bioimaging and related fields), the achievement of stable colloidal suspensions of metal sulphides is highly desirable or either an unavoidable requirement to be met. To this aim, robust functionalisation strategies should be devised, which however are, with respect to metal or metal oxides colloids, much more challenging. This has to be ascribed, inter alia, also to the still limited knowledge of the sulphides surface chemistry, particularly when comparing it to the better established, though multifaceted, oxide surface chemistry. A ground-breaking endeavour in this field is hence the detailed understanding of the nature of the complex surface chemistry of transition metal sulphides, which ideally requires an integrated experimental and modelling approach. In this review, an overview of the state-of-the-art on the existing examples of functionalisation of transition metal sulphides is provided, also by focusing on selected case studies, exemplifying the manifold nature of this class of binary inorganic compounds.

DNA Linkers and Diluents for Ultrastable Gold Nanoparticle Bioconjugates in Multiplexed Assay Development.

A novel bioconjugation strategy leading to ultrastable gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), utilizing DNA linkers and diluents in place of traditional self-assembled monolayers, is reported. The protective capacity of DNA confers straightforward biomolecular attachment and multistep derivatization capabilities to these nanoparticles and, more significantly, substantially enhances their stability in demanding and complex sensing environments. The DNA/AuNPs were assembled through pH-assisted thiol-gold bonding of single stranded DNA and salt aging, with preconjugated biotin moieties facing outward from the gold surface. These nanoparticles remain a stable colloidal suspension under a wide range of buffers and ionic strengths and can endure multiple rounds of lyophilization while retaining high biological activity. Furthermore, the high stability of the DNA/AuNPs allows for multiple reactions and conjugations to be performed within the colloidal suspensions (i.e., Protein A and antibody binding) for tailored and specific recognition to take place. We have demonstrated the applications of the DNA/AuNPs for colorimetric assays and ELISA feasibility; additionally, SPR imaging analysis of a supported membrane microarray shows excellent results with DNA/AuNPs as the enhancing agent. Together, the properties imparted by this interface render the material suitable for clinical and point-of-care applications where stability, throughput, and extended shelf lives are needed.

Sustainable steric stabilization of colloidal titania nanoparticles

A route to produce a stable colloidal suspension is essential if mono-dispersed particles are to be successfully synthesized, isolated, and used in subsequent nanocomposite manufacture. Dispersing nanoparticles in fluids was found to be an important approach for avoiding poor dispersion characteristics. However, there is still a great tendency for colloidal nanoparticles to flocculate over time. Steric stabilization can prevent coagulation by introducing a thick adsorbed organic layer which constitutes a significant steric barrier that can prevent the particle surfaces from coming into direct contact. One of the main features of hydrothermal synthesis technique is that it offers novel approaches for sustainable nanoparticle surface modification. This manuscript reports on the sustainable steric stabilization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles. Nanoparticle surface modification was performed via two main approaches including post-synthesis and in situ surface modification. The tuneable hydrothermal conditions (i.e. temperature, pressure, flow rates, and surfactant addition) were optimized to enable controlled steric stabilization in a continuous fashion. Effective post synthesis surface modification with organic ligand (dodecenyl succinic anhydride (DDSA)) was achieved; the optimum surface coating temperature was reported to be 180–240°C to ensure DDSA ring opening and binding to titania nanoparticles. Organic-modified titania demonstrated complete change in surface properties from hydrophilic to hydrophobic and exhibited phase transfer from the aqueous phase to the organic phase. Exclusive surface modification in the reactor was found to be an effective approach; it demonstrated surfactant loading level 2.2 times that of post synthesis surface modification. Titania was also stabilized in aqueous media using poly acrylic acid (PAA) as polar polymeric dispersant. PAA-titania nanoparticles demonstrated a durable amorphous polymeric layer of 2nm thickness. This manuscript revealed the state of the art for the real development of stable colloidal mono-dispersed particles with controlled surface properties.

Quantum dots and carbon dots based fluorescent sensors for TB biomarkers detection

The clinical use of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) detection for improved and rapid diagnoses of various diseases possesses a significant potential for the correct and timely screening of such diseases. Tuberculosis (TB) is a major pulmonary disease of concern, and can potentially be diagnosed using breath analysis techniques. Various sensing methods have been demonstrated and utilized to detect TB-VOCs. Some of the methods are based on electrical signal or change in resistance of device due to VOCs while some methods utilize mass spectroscopy. A low cost and quick method is very essential at this stage. Hence, in this paper, we report the synthesis of stable colloidal suspensions of CdSe QDs as well as carbon dots as a viable photoluminescent platform for detection of TB biomarkers. Such novel CdSe/carbon dots based sensing solution with tunable excitation and emission properties acts as a fluorescent probe for selective detection of TB biomarkers. The development of a smart, tunable fluorescent sensor system can provide an economically feasible solution and pave the way for rapid disease diagnostics.

Covalent organic frameworks form processable colloids

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) are crystalline porous polymers with features that include having a pore size that can be tailored by choosing suitable building blocks. Researchers are examining COFs and other types of framework compounds for use as selective membranes, catalyst supports, and other applications. But COFs tend to form tough-to-process insoluble microcrystalline powders, thwarting those efforts. Help may now be on the way thanks to a study reporting a method to prepare COFs as stable colloidal suspensions by inhibiting the usual irreversible crystallite aggregation and precipitation (ACS Cent. Sci. 2017, DOI: 10.1021/acscentsci.6b00331). A team led by William R. Dichtel of Northwestern University and Nathan C. Gianneschi of the University of California, San Diego, studied a boronate ester-linked hydroxytriphenylene material known as COF-5. On the basis of X-ray scattering, liquid-cell microscopy, and other analytical methods, the team determined that nitrile solvents impede crystallite a...

Nanocrystalline cellulose-fullerene: Novel conjugates

The covalent grafting of two amino-fullerene C60 derivatives (C60-LC-NH2 and C60-SC-NH2, LC=long chain and SC=short chain) onto the surface of TEMPO oxidized nanocrystalline cellulose (NCC-COOH) has been reported for the first time. These hybrids (NCC-LC-C60 and NCC-SC-C60) form stable colloidal suspensions at concentrations up to 0.5mg/mL and act as effective photosensitizers for singlet oxygen production as demonstrated by the oxidation of L-methionine-methyl ester to the corresponding sulphoxide. Using the same approach, in a one-pot reaction both a fluorescent target molecule (FITC-LC-NH2) and the C60-LC-NH2 derivative have been successfully attached covalently onto the NCC-COOH surface. These hybrids, which showed no cytotoxicity on MCF-7 human breast cancer cells could be good candidates in photodynamic cancer therapy.