Abstract
An inorganic/organic composite hybrid nano-system has been successfully synthesized in which nanocrystalline quantum dots (QDs) were effectively immobilized within a photo-cross-linked polyethylene glycol) (PEG) hydrogel. The immobilization of 3.5-6.0 nm CdTe and 2.0-3.5 nm CdSe QDs within the PEG hydrogel network has been shown to be effective through utilization of physical trapping. These QD-immobilized gel systems demonstrated luminescence characteristics unique to semiconductor QD nanocrystals. Controlled particle extraction from the PEG hydrogel matrix may be possible via a photocleavage process. The solubility property of QDs was controlled through surface functionalization. It is envisioned that the unique photophysical properties of this new material can be utilized as a convenient signal transducer for chemo-/bio-sensing. A promising application of the described QD/PEG-NC hybrid system may be in the fields of fluoroimmunoassay and as a monitoring system for drug delivery and wound healing.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 10464-10469 |
Number of pages | 6 |
Journal | Journal of Physical Chemistry B |
Volume | 107 |
Issue number | 38 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - Sep 25 2003 |
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Physical and Theoretical Chemistry
- Surfaces, Coatings and Films
- Materials Chemistry