Nanoparticle-cored dendrimers: synthesis and characterization

In quest of a systematic framework for unifying and defining nanoscience

This article proposes a systematic framework for unifying and defining nanoscience based on historic first principles and step logic that led to a "central paradigm" (i.e., unifying framework) for traditional elemental/small-molecule chemistry. As such, a Nanomaterials classification roadmap is proposed, which divides all nanomatter into Category I: discrete, well-defined and Category II: statistical, undefined nanoparticles. We consider only Category I, well-defined nanoparticles which are >90% monodisperse as a function of Critical Nanoscale Design Parameters (CNDPs) defined according to: (a) size, (b) shape, (c) surface chemistry, (d) flexibility, and (e) elemental composition. Classified as either hard (H) (i.e., inorganic-based) or soft (S) (i.e., organic-based) categories, these nanoparticles were found to manifest pervasive atom mimicry features that included: (1) a dominance of zero-dimensional (0D) core-shell nanoarchitectures, (2) the ability to self-assemble or chemically bond as discrete, quantized nanounits, and (3) exhibited well-defined nanoscale valencies and stoichiometries reminiscent of atom-based elements. These discrete nanoparticle categories are referred to as hard or soft particle nanoelements. Many examples describing chemical bonding/assembly of these nanoelements have been reported in the literature. We refer to these hard:hard (H-n:H-n), soft:soft (S-n:S-n), or hard:soft (H-n:S-n) nanoelement combinations as nanocompounds. Due to their quantized features, many nanoelement and nanocompound categories are reported to exhibit well-defined nanoperiodic property patterns. These periodic property patterns are dependent on their quantized nanofeatures (CNDPs) and dramatically influence intrinsic physicochemical properties (i.e., melting points, reactivity/self-assembly, sterics, and nanoencapsulation), as well as important functional/performance properties (i.e., magnetic, photonic, electronic, and toxicologic properties). We propose this perspective as a modest first step toward more clearly defining synthetic nanochemistry as well as providing a systematic framework for unifying nanoscience. With further progress, one should anticipate the evolution of future nanoperiodic table(s) suitable for predicting important risk/benefit boundaries in the field of nanoscience. ELECTRONIC SUPPLEMENTARY MATERIAL: The online version of this article (doi:10.1007/s11051-009-9632-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Synthesis of nanoparticle-cored dendrimers by convergent dendritic functionalization of monolayer-protected nanoparticles

This article presents a synthesis method for nanoparticle-cored dendrimers (NCDs), which have dendritic architectures around a monolayer-protected gold nanoparticle. The synthesis method is based on a strategy in which the synthesis of monolayer-protected nanoparticles is followed by adding dendrons on functionalized nanoparticles by a single coupling reaction. NMR spectroscopy, IR spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) characterizations confirmed the successful coupling reaction between dendrons with different generations ([G1], [G2], and [G3]) and COOH-functionalized nanoparticles ( approximately Au201L71). The dendrimer wedge density also could be controlled by reacting nanoparticles having different loading of COOH groups ( approximately 60 and approximately 10% COOH of the 71 ligands per gold nanoparticle) with functionalized dendrons. Transmission electron microscope results showed that this synthesis strategy maintains the average size of the nanoparticle core during dendron coupling reactions. This control over the composition and core size makes the systematic study of NCDs with different generations possible. The chemical stability of NCDs was found to be affected by dendron generation around the nanoparticle core. The current-potential response of NCD films on microelectrode arrays exhibited better electrical conductivity for NCDs with lower dendron generation.

Dendron-protected Au nanoparticles—Effect of dendritic structure on chemical stability

A series of gold nanoparticles stabilised by 'Newkome-type' dendritic branching has been synthesised and fully characterised. In particular, the properties and behaviour of these hybrid materials are compared with those of a previously reported set of nanoparticles stabilised by dendrons constructed using l-lysine building blocks. The rates of cyanide-induced nanoparticle decomposition were determined, and it was found that the rate of decomposition increased on the introduction of dendritic branching. Furthermore, 'Newkome-type' dendrons were significantly more effective at protecting the encapsulated gold nanoparticle than the l-lysine based dendrons. It is proposed that this observation can be explained on the basis of more effective packing and surface coverage by the 'Newkome-type' dendrons. Importantly, this study therefore demonstrates that the organic chemical structure of dendritic ligands plays a crucial role in controlling the reactivity of self-assembled hybrid nanostructures.

Materials for Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Analysis: Beyond Traditional Donor–Acceptor Combinations

The use of Förster or fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) as a spectroscopic technique has been in practice for over 50 years. A search of ISI Web of Science with just the acronym "FRET" returns more than 2300 citations from various areas such as structural elucidation of biological molecules and their interactions, in vitro assays, in vivo monitoring in cellular research, nucleic acid analysis, signal transduction, light harvesting and metallic nanomaterials. The advent of new classes of fluorophores including nanocrystals, nanoparticles, polymers, and genetically encoded proteins, in conjunction with ever more sophisticated equipment, has been vital in this development. This review gives a critical overview of the major classes of fluorophore materials that may act as donor, acceptor, or both in a FRET configuration. We focus in particular on the benefits and limitations of these materials and their combinations, as well as the available methods of bioconjugation.

Characterization of Au and Pd nanoparticles by high-temperature TGA–MS

Noble metal nanoparticles (NPs) prepared by a surfactant-free single-phase solution method have been proposed to contain fewer ionic contaminants than similar NPs prepared by a two-phase method. Reported herein is the possible contamination of Au and Pd NPs, prepared by a surfactant-free single-phase method, with Li2CO3 and other Li salts. High-temperature thermal gravimetric analysis measurements coupled with mass spectrometry (TGA–MS) up to 1100 °C were employed to determine the relative amounts of ionic contaminants since protecting thiolate groups and inorganic contaminants were removed in separate weight loss events. Assignment of the different weight loss events was supported by MS analysis of the evolved gases. TGA–MS also revealed the presence of larger amounts of oxidized sulfur species in the Pd NPs. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), UV–vis, IR, elemental analysis (EA), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) measurements complemented the characterization of the NPs. The amount of ionic contaminants crucially depended on the workup conditions, and quenching of the reaction mixture with ethanol was found to be essential for the formation of Li2CO3. Workup procedures that avoid the formation of TGA–MS detectable ionic contaminants are proposed along with purification steps for contaminated NPs.Key words: gold, palladium, nanoparticles, TGA, mass spectrometry, ionic contamination.

Nano-oncology: drug delivery, imaging, and sensing

Innovation in the last decade has endowed nanotechnology with an assortment of tools for delivery, imaging, and sensing in cancer research-stealthy nanoparticle vectors circulating in vivo, assembled with exquisite molecular control, capable of selective tumor targeting and potent delivery of therapeutics; intense and photostable quantum dot-based tumor imaging, enabling multicolor detection of cell receptors with a single optical excitation source; arrays of semiconducting nanowire and carbon nanotube sensor elements for selective multiplexed sensing of cancer markers without the need for probe labeling. These rapidly emerging tools are indicative of a burgeoning field ready to expand into medical applications. This review attempts to outline most of the current nanoparticle toolset for therapeutic release by liposomes, dendrimers, smart polymers, and virus-based systems. Advantages of nanoparticle-based imaging and targeting by use of nanoshells and quantum dots are also explored. Finally, emerging nanoelectronics-based sensing and a global discussion on the utility of each nanoparticle system addresses their fundamental advantages and shortcomings in cancer research.

Hybrid organic–inorganic nanomaterials based on polythiophene dendronized nanoparticles

In this work, the synthesis, characterization, and applications of branched oligothiophene dendrons that act as electroactive surfactants for the capping of Au metal nanoparticles and CdSe quantum dots are described. Two distinct methods have been employed for synthesis: a ligand exchange process and a direct-capping synthesis approach. The coverage of the dendrons per nanocrystal, the nature of the surface coordination interactions, and energy transfer interactions were studied in detail using UV-vis absorbance, FT-IR, AFM, TEM, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The competition/displacement in ligand metathesis is highlighted by the size of the dendron and nature of binding on semiconductor nanocrystals. In the other system using the direct capping method, the size of the Au nanoparticle is mediated by the dimensions of the ligand, i.e. alkyl chain spacer and dendron branching or size. These hybrid dendron/nanoparticle complexes are generally very soluble and stable in non-polar solvents. They exhibit energy transfer, surface plasmon resonance effects, and photoinduced charge transfer interactions between the metal/semiconductor and conjugated ligands. Adsorption on mica and graphite surfaces was observed. A one-layer photovoltaic cell was fabricated to demonstrate the potential for device applications.

Dendron-grafted sulfur-terminated phenyleneethynylene molecular rods and blue luminescence self-assembly with Au nanoparticles

Dendron-grafted phenyleneethynylenes with alpha,omega-disulfur containing groups were newly synthesized and characterized for self-assembly with Au nanoparticles; an intense blue photoluminescence of the composite film was observed.

Metal-Core−Organic Shell Dendrimers as Unimolecular Micelles

The synthesis and characterization of nanoparticle-cored dendrimers (NCDs), consisting of a metal core capped by arylpolyethers terminated with ester or carboxylate groups, are reported. These NCDs, comprising nanometer-sized gold clusters at the core and organic dendrons radially connected to the gold core by gold-sulfur bonds, were analyzed by TEM, TGA, UV, IR, and NMR spectroscopies. The density of the branching units connected to the core decreased from 1.90/nm(2) for a first-generation NCD (Au-G1(CO(2)Me)) to 0.80/nm(2) for a fourth-generation NCD (Au-G4(CO(2)Me)). Although the ester-terminated NCDs were stable and resisted aggregation, they were easily hydrolyzed to the corresponding water-soluble sodium salts. Aqueous solutions of (Au-Gn(CO(2)Na)) exhibited micellar properties. Since these NCDs possess a relatively unpassivated metal core and an organic aryl ether shell with micellar and dendritic properties, they are expected to have important potential applications in catalysis.