+PRECISE +EFFECTIVE
Quantum dots are semiconducting particles used in ex-vivo fluorescence biomedical imaging. To consider their in-vivo use, it is necessary to make them more specific (i.e. control their binding to biological ligands) and improve their colloidal stability in order to limit their aggregation.
Prof. Claverie’s group perfected a technique for the encapsulation of lead chalcogenide (PbS) quantum dots by RAFT polymerization (patent pending). The synthesized polymer is grafted to a dispersant, which is itself adsorbed by the quantum dot. The result is 10-20 nm core-shell particles (inorganic-organic) with very good colloidal stability whose shells can easily be bound to biological ligands. By combining Prof. L’Espérance’s expertise in the field of high-resolution imaging (including high resolution imaging at low dose, high-resolution imaging with negative contrast agent and X-ray spectroscopy) to that of Prof. Claverie, the synthesis of core-shell particles was demonstrated.
REFERENCES
[1] J.C. Daigle, J. Claverie, Nanoencapsulation of inorganic particles – US60/972,459 –Filed in Septembre 2007.
[2] J.C. Daigle, J. Claverie, Journal of Nanomaterials, DOI:60918410.1155/2008/609184
[3] P. Das, W.H. Zhong, J. Claverie, Colloid and Polymer Science, 289, 14, 1519-1533 (2011)
RESEARCHERS
Prof. G. L’Espérance and J.-P. Masse (École Polytechnique), Prof. J. Claverie (UQAM)