Magneto-Fluorescent Colloidal Nano-hybride for Multimodal Imaging

Designing effective nanoparticles that can passively or actively label fine biological structures in various functional states is a central goal of medicine-oriented nanotechnology development. Since each established imaging modality has its own drawback, integration of two or more imaging modes in one nanostructure i.e., multimodal imaging, can provide complimentary information. In this respect, Hybrid nanostructures can exhibit several features synergistically and deliver more than one function simultaneously.

Here we present our strategy to fabricate magnetic nanoparticle-based multifunctional nanostructures, which are integrated with fluorescent quantum dots in a two-step colloidal approach. These hybrid nanostructures exhibit Para magnetism alongside fluorescence. Direct contact between the semiconductor and magnetic domains, typical of traditional core-shell or heterodimer structures, can lead to strong electronic coupling, diminishing the desired optical fluorescence. Hence, our structure comprises an optically active nanoparticle quantum dot core encapsulated in a hollow shell providing the MRI contrast agent. Such encapsulation of the quantum dot might also prove to be essential for biocompatibility and toxicity aspects. The hybrid nanoparticle is successfully applied for single cell neuronal imaging. We expect that the combination of unique structural characteristics and integrated functions of multicomponent magnetic nanoparticles will lead to new opportunities in biological and medical imaging.