Amine-terminated silicon nanoparticles: synthesis, optical properties and their use in bioimaging

摘要: Very stable and bright emitting amine-terminated Si nanoparticles (NPs) with different alkyl chain lengths between the core amine end-group are synthesized. The obtained NPs have a spherical shape homogeneous size distribution (1.57 ± 0.24 nm). Their emission can be tuned from UV to blue spectral region, in controllable fashion, by only changing spacer length. quantum yields ∼12% for all synthesized NPs. Excited state lifetimes ns range point direct band gap excitation. NH2-terminated exhibit an exceptional stability over wide pH (1–13) high temperatures (120 °C). diffusion coefficient of prepared is determined fluorescence correlation spectroscopy (FCS) 3.3 × 10−10 m2 s−1. derived mobility corresponds 1.4 nm which good agreement transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Prepared shown highly suitable bioimaging studies as they readily taken up BV2 cells. located cells cytosol. Proliferation stained observed showed that newly formed also NPs, indicating their minimal toxicity. By using it possible stain multiple cell generations staining mother