Surface Functionalization of Hydrophobic Nanocrystals with One Particle per Micelle for Bioapplications

A facile and general strategy was successfully developed for the surface modification of kinds of hydrophobic inorganic nanomaterials with various chemical compositions, shapes, and sizes. Via this ultrasonication assistant encapsulation technology, these hydrophobic inorganic nanocrystals were successfully encapsulated into the carboxylated phospholipids and polymers micelles with one particle per micelle. The surface modified nanocrystals were characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). After encapsulation, the particle size, shape, and optical and magnetic properties were effectively retained. These functionalized nanocrystals are highly water-stable and biocompatible. After being bioconjugated with the antibodies, the functionalized quantum dots (QDs) have been successfully used as biolabels for targeted cell fluorescence imaging.