Enhanced quantum yield of dendrimer-entrapped gold nanodots by a specific ion-pair association and microwave irradiation for bioimaging

A specific ion-pair approach can be involved in precise control of the size of gold nanodots. The dendrimers with terminal amine and hydroxyl groups were a hydrophilic and hydrophobic microcavity-template, respectively, for trapping gold salts. The facile strategy can significantly enhance the quantum yield of gold nanodots from 20% to 62% after microwave irradiation.