Immobilization of Quantum Dots in the Photo-Cross-Linked Poly(ethylene glycol)-Based Hydrogel

Abstract

An inorganic/organic composite hybrid nano-system has been successfully synthesized in which nanocrystalline quantum dots (QDs) were effectively immobilized within a photo-cross-linked poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel. The immobilization of 3.5-6.0 nm CdTe and 2.0-3.5 nm CdSe QDs within the PEG hydrogel network has been shown to be effective through utilization of physical trapping. These QD-immobilized gel systems demonstrated luminescence characteristics unique to semiconductor QD nanocrystals. Controlled particle extraction from the PEG hydrogel matrix may be possible via a photocleavage process. The solubility property of QDs was controlled through surface functionalization. It is envisioned that the unique photophysical properties of this new material can be utilized as a convenient signal transducer for chemo-/bio-sensing. A promising application of the described QD/PEG-NC hybrid system may be in the fields of fluoroimmunoassay and as a monitoring system for drug delivery and wound healing.

Removal of heavy metal ions from aqueous solutions by radiation‐induced chitosan/(acrylamidoglycolic acid‐co‐acrylic acid) magnetic nanopolymer

“…4 AMGA showed two strong bands around 1675 and 1416 cm 21 , which correspond to the NAH bending of the NH 2 amide II band and the CN stretching of an amide III band, respectively [45]. It exhibited a common peak at 3446 cm 21 , which is due to the NH asymmetric vibrations.…”

“…Then the polymer loaded with iron(II) and iron(III) ions were removed from the iron salt solutions, washed with double distilled water and placed in a beaker consisting of 50 mL of 0.5 M sodium hydroxide solution and left overnight. The resultant brown or black color magnetic nanopolymers were removed, washed with double distilled water, and allowed it to dry in an oven at 60 C. The properties of the final product depend on some parameters such as the ratio between Fe 21 and Fe 31 , pH, and ionic strength of the medium. The following equations show the steps of formation of magnetite particles into the polymeric matrix:…”

“…FT-IR spectroscopy was performed for both CS/(AMGA-coAAc) and magnetic nanopolymer samples using FT-IR spectrometer model Mattson 100, made by Unicam and was used over the range 400-4000 cm 21 . X-ray diffraction (XRD) was used to identify the MNPs into the polymeric matrix.…”

Physicochemical Characteristics of Fe3O4Magnetic Nanocomposites Based on Poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) for Anti-cancer Drug Delivery

“…Hydrogel nanocomposites have unique properties such as improved mechanical strength, stimuli responsive behavior, biological interactions, optical properties, and ability of remote actuation (Gattas-Asfura et al, 2003;Thomas et al, 2008). For example, the high water content and elasticity of hydrogels typically leads to inferior mechanical performance and limits their applications.…”

Structural and kinetic properties of laterally stabilized, oligo(ethylene glycol)-containing alkylthiolates on gold: A modular approach

“…Moreover, it can undergo interesting modifications. In a recent study, Gattas-Asfura et al utilized PEG hydrogels for the immobilization of quantum dots 14 for the development of new sensor materials.…”