In-vivo fluorescence imaging technique using colloid solution of multiple quantum dots/silica/poly(ethylene glycol) nanoparticles

This paper describes a method for producing silica particles containing multiple quantum dots (QD/SiO2), a method for surface-modifying the particles with poly(ethylene glycol) (QD/SiO2/PEG), and an in vivo fluorescence imaging technique using colloid solution of the QD/SiO2/PEG particles. The QDs used were ZnS-coated CdSexTe1-x nanoparticles surface-modified with carboxyl groups, and had an average size of 10.3 +/- A 2.1 nm. The QD/SiO2 particles were fabricated by performing sol-gel reaction of tetraethyl orthosilicate using NaOH as a catalyst in the presence of the QDs. The produced particles formed core-shell structure composed of multiple QDs and silica shell, and had an average size of 50.2 +/- A 17.9 nm. Surface-modification of the QD/SiO2 particles with PEG, or PEGylation of the particle surface, was performed by using methoxy polyethylene glycol silane. Fluorescence of QD colloid solution was not quenched even through the silica-coating and the PEGylation. Tissues of a mouse could be imaged by injecting the concentrated colloid solution into it and measuring fluorescence intensity emitted from the tissues.