Synthesis and characterization of CdTe quantum dots embedded gelatin nanoparticles via a two-step desolvation method

Novel CdTe quantum dots (QDs) embedded gelatin nanoparticles (CdTe/gelatin nanoparticles) were synthesized via a two-step desolvation method. The morphology and size distribution of the nanoparticles were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM) and laser particle size analyzer. They are presented spherically and relatively uniform with a diameter of 150 nm. The luminescent properties of the nanoparticles were investigated by using fluorescence spectrophotometry and fluorescence microscopy. The fluorescence stability of nanoparticles was tested in vitro. It was found that the nanoparticles were stable in water and phosphate-buffered saline (PBS) solution (pH 7.4) for at least 15 days. A possible formation mechanism of the CdTe/gelatin nanoparticles was also proposed. The inherent stability and biocompatibility indicate that the nanoparticles are expected to be promising candidates for in vivo biological imaging studies. (C) 2008 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.