Abstract
A novel versatile photo-responsive nanocarrier that is able to load and release several functional molecules is obtained by one-step conjugation of scalable flame-made titania agglomerates. Highly crystalline anatase nano-crystals are synthesized by scalable flame spray pyrolysis of organometallic precursor solutions. Nanocarriers are self-assembled by adsorption of lysine molecules on the photocatalytic nanoparticles' surface leading to a minimal flocculation and highly reactive amine terminations. Time-controlled photo-release of the ligand and end-loaded molecules is achieved by short exposure to UV light. The application of these flexible nanoplatforms to intracellular delivery is demonstrated by dye loading and two-photon microscopic in vitro imaging of their penetration in living neurons of Wistar rat brain tissue. These scalable photo-responsive nanocarriers are a flexible platform with potential for in vivo controlled release of amine-reactive dyes and amino-acid modified pro-drugs, as demonstrated by the successful loading and release of fluorescein isothiocyanate dye (FITC) and ketoprofen.
| Original language | English |
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| Pages (from-to) | 1677-1687 |
| Number of pages | 11 |
| Journal | Journal of Materials Chemistry B |
| Volume | 3 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - 28 Feb 2015 |