Composite nanoparticles: the best of two worlds

Abstract

Nanomaterials have rapidly moved into the mainstream for chemical and biological analysis. Nanoparticle probes enhance signal intensity, increase the chemical and physical stability of the probe, and facilitate surface modification for specific targeting. Unfortunately, common problems are encountered with many nanoparticle probes, e.g., poor solubility, poor biocompatibility, and leakage of encapsulated components, that severely restrict the application of probes to ex vivo samples under carefully controlled conditions. A wide range of recently developed multifunctional nanomaterials are poised to make significant contributions to molecular analysis of biological systems. Composite nanoparticle geometries, including composites, hybrids, and core-shell nanoparticles prepared using two or more materials, e.g., silica/inorganic, silica/polymer, or polymer/inorganic combinations, offer improved solubility, easier functionalization, and decreased toxicity compared with the related single-component materials. Furthermore, composite nanomaterials present substantial signal amplification, and improved multiplexing for higher-sensitivity and higher-resolution measurements. Further development and integration of composite nanomaterials into the quantitative sciences will play a key role in the future of functional probes for imaging, quantitative analysis, and biological manipulation.

Nanoparticles Modified with Cell-Penetrating Peptides: Conjugation Mechanisms, Physicochemical Properties, and Application in Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy

“…The combination of several materials in one multi-component particle, such as core-shell or hybrid structures, allows for the fabrication of nanoplatforms that overcome the limitations of single-component structures. In fact, composites often possess superior solubility and biocompatibility compared to individual materials [44]. While silica coatings prevail in the field of inorganic-inorganic composites [45,46], combinations of, e.g., silicon nanostructures modified with metal or metal oxide nanoparticles have recently demonstrated highly interesting properties for biosensing applications [47].…”

Determination of Pore Sizes and Relative Porosity in Porous Nanoshell Architectures Using Dextran Retention with Single Monomer Resolution and Proton Permeation

“…The advent of biocompatible nanoarchitectures has contributed significantly to a broad range of biomedical applications including biosensing, 1–8 drug delivery, 1,7,9–16 and diagnostic imaging. 1,12,13,17–24 A highly diverse catalog of nanomaterials has been prepared from inorganic, polymeric and hybrid materials in a multitude of geometric configurations.…”

“…1,12,13,17–24 A highly diverse catalog of nanomaterials has been prepared from inorganic, polymeric and hybrid materials in a multitude of geometric configurations. Among the most promising geometries for intracellular sensing and delivery is the recent advent of silica and polymer nanoshells.…”

Recent advances in micro/nano-particles for clinical detection of cancer biomarkers

“…Composite particles of QDs and metal NPs have spurred a great deal of interest among researchers. [27][28][29] For example, Liu et al 30 developed an Au/TiO 2 hybrid mesoporous lm sensitized by CdSe QDs for photoelectrochemical applications. The CdSe QDs were deposited on the TiO 2 NP lm of the Au/TiO 2 hybrid structures by chemical bath and the results showed that the photocurrent of the TiO 2 lm was signicantly enhanced by the Au NPs.…”