Monodisperse multifunctional and nontoxic Au@MnO Janus particles with different sizes and morphologies were prepared by a seed-mediated nucleation and growth technique with precise control over domain sizes, surface functionalization, and dye labeling. The metal oxide domain could be coated selectively with a thin silica layer, leaving the metal domain untouched. In particular, size and morphology of the individual (metal and metal oxide) domains could be controlled by adjustment of the synthetic parameters. The SiO2 coating of the oxide domain allows biomolecule conjugation (e.g., antibodies, proteins) in a single step for converting the photoluminescent and superparamagnetic Janus nanoparticles into multifunctional efficient vehicles for theranostics. The Au@MnO@SiO2 Janus particles were characterized using high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-)TEM, powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), optical (UV-vis) spectroscopy, confocal laser fluorescence scanning microscopy (CLSM), and dynamic light scattering (DLS). The functionalized nanoparticles were stable in buffer solution or serum, showing no indication of aggregation. Biocompatibility and potential biomedical applications of the Au@MnO@SiO2 Janus particles were assayed by a cell viability analysis by coincubating the Au@MnO@SiO2 Janus particles with Caki 1 and HeLa cells. Time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy in combination with CLSM revealed the silica-coated Au@MnO@SiO2 Janus particles to be highly two-photon active; no indication for an electronic interaction between the dye molecules incorporated in the silica shell surrounding the MnO domains and the attached Au domains was found; fluorescence quenching was observed when dye molecules were bound directly to the Au domains.

Au@Fe3O4 Janus particles (JPs) are heteroparticles with discrete domains defined by different materials. Their tunable composition and morphology confer multimodal and versatile capabilities for use as contrast agents and drug carriers in future medicine. Au@Fe3O4 JPs have colloidal properties and surface characteristics leading to interactions with proteins in biological fluids. The resulting protein adsorption layer ("protein corona") critically affects their interaction with living matter. Although Au@Fe3O4 JPs displayed good biocompatibility in a standardized in vitro situation, an in-depth characterization of the protein corona is of prime importance to unravel underlying mechanisms affecting their pathophysiology and biodistribution in vitro and in vivo. Here, we comparatively analyzed the human plasma corona of Au-thiol@Fe3O4-SiO2-PEG JPs (NH2-functionalized and non-functionalized) and spherical magnetite (Fe3O4-SiO2-PEG) particles and investigated its effects on colloidal stability, biocompatibility and cellular uptake. Label-free quantitative proteomic analyses revealed that complex coronas including almost 180 different proteins were formed within only one minute. Remarkably, in contrast to spherical magnetite particles with surface NH2 groups, the Janus structure prevented aggregation and the adhesion of opsonins. This resulted in an enhanced biocompatibility of corona sheathed JPs compared to spherical magnetite particles and corona-free JPs.

SummaryBased on recent developments regarding the synthesis and design of Janus nanoparticles, they have attracted increased scientific interest due to their outstanding properties. There are several combinations of multicomponent hetero-nanostructures including either purely organic or inorganic, as well as composite organic–inorganic compounds. Janus particles are interconnected by solid state interfaces and, therefore, are distinguished by two physically or chemically distinct surfaces. They may be, for instance, hydrophilic on one side and hydrophobic on the other, thus, creating giant amphiphiles revealing the endeavor of self-assembly. Novel optical, electronic, magnetic, and superficial properties emerge in inorganic Janus particles from their dimensions and unique morphology at the nanoscale. As a result, inorganic Janus nanoparticles are highly versatile nanomaterials with great potential in different scientific and technological fields. In this paper, we highlight some advances in the synthesis of inorganic Janus nanoparticles, focusing on the heterogeneous nucleation technique and characteristics of the resulting high quality nanoparticles. The properties emphasized in this review range from the monodispersity and size-tunability and, therefore, precise control over size-dependent features, to the biomedical application as theranostic agents. Hence, we show their optical properties based on plasmonic resonance, the two-photon activity, the magnetic properties, as well as their biocompatibility and interaction with human blood serum.

Hetero-nanoparticles represent a new class of nanomaterials exhibiting multifunctional and collective properties, which could find applications in medical imaging and therapy, catalysis, photovoltaics, and electronics. This present work demonstrates the intrinsic hetero-epitaxial linkage in heterodimer nanoparticles to enable interaction of the individual components across their interface. It revealed distinct differences between Au@MnO and Au@Fe 3 O 4 regarding the synthetic procedure, growth kinetics, as well as the properties to be altered by the variation of the electronic structure of the metal oxides. The chemically related metal oxides differ concerning their band gap; while MnO is a Mott-Hubbard insulator with a large band gap, Fe 3 O 4 is a semimetal with thermally activated conductivity. The fluorescence dynamics indicate a prolonged relaxation time (> 2 ns) for electrons of the conduction band of the Au nanoparticles after interfacing to Fe 3 O 4 . Here, the semiconductor is not depleted and forms an ohmic contact to the Au domain. In contrast, the fluorescence dynamics and ESCA of Au@MnO affirmed the weak interaction with the electrons of the Au domain, where the junction behaves as a Schottky barrier.

Polysilafluorenes (PSFs) are an important class of lightemitting conjugate polymers noted for their characteristic brilliant solid state blue luminescence, high quantum efficiency, excellent solubility, and improved thermal stability. These polymers are also reported to have superior electron conductivity to polyfluorenes. The higher electron affinity and conductivity, which are particularly promising for OLEDs, originate from σ*−π* conjugation between the σ* antibonding orbital of the exocyclic Si−C bond and the π* antibonding orbital of the butadiene fragment. In this paper, we present the synthesis and thorough characterization of several new derivatives of 2,7-dibromo-3,6dimethoxy-9,9-dialkylsilafluorene monomers and demonstrate an efficient room temperature route to their polymerization. In addition to silafluorene monomers with simple alkyl side chains, we have increased the functionality of several of our monomers by incorporating vinyl, cyclohexenyl, and norbornenyl moieties into their side chains, which we believe is useful for postpolymerization modification. (i.e., adding pendant emitters to tune PL or cross-linking). The production of polymer was achieved using a nickel-catalyzed polycondenation of diarylmagnesate-type monomers in a mixed solvent system of THF and 1,4dioxane (7:3). Using 1,4-dioxane as a cosolvent was discovered to significantly increase the Mg/Br exchange rate by a factor of 5, reducing the time required to achieve stiochiometric conversion of sterically hindered and electron rich 2,7-dibromo-3,6dimethoxy-9,9-dialkylsilafluorene to 2 h. Also, relatively fast rates of polymerization were observed. Polymers reached their maximum molecular weight within 30 m. In many cases, M n exceeds 50 kg/mol (PDI ∼ 1.5−2.0). The resultant polymers possess characteristic blue photoluminescence with solid state quantum yields (exceeding 80% in many cases). Polymer films have excellent transparency (with a measured E g ∼ 3.0 eV) and thermal stability as demonstrated by TGA/DSC. Energy levels determined using CV were −5.62 and −2.62 eV for HOMO and LUMO, respectively.