Labeling metal oxide nanoparticles with optical dyes: Bioimaging applications of corrole-metal oxide nanoconjugates

Abstract

Probe development involving nanoscale materials has become increasingly significant and at the forefront in mol. imaging for both diagnosis and drug development based on improved understanding of biol. processes. Various nanosized probes, namely, quantum dots and superparamagnetic iron oxides, have been explored using appropriate imaging modalities and biomedical studies. Owing to their vast surface area and extensive possibility for surface decoration with multiple groups to attain desirable functionalities, metal oxide nanomaterials, such as TiO_2 and ZnO, offer unique benefits over traditional small mols. and biomols. as contrast agents. Examples of potential near-IR contrast agents involving TiO_2 nanoparticle surfaces covalently decorated with fluorescent corroles will be presented. Corrole prepn. and conjugation of the corroles to TiO_2 nanoparticles will be discussed. Photophys. and imaging studies of the corrole-TiO_2 nanocojugates will be addressed.