We report on the development of novel nanostructured medical diagnostic platforms encompassing high surface area nanoporous organosilicate (NPO) films and highly fluorescent dye doped organosilicate nanoparticles (DOSNPs). Fabrication of NPO films relied on harnessing the entropic gain of functionalized organosilicate nanoparticles in polymer matrices at high temperatures. The simple formation technique offers unprecedented control of the nanostructure of the films including its optical and physical properties. Optically transparent films with surface areas as high as 1500 m2/g with functionalized surfaces have been successfully obtained following this approach. We also present the synthesis and characteristics of unique, core-shell structured Rhodamine 6G DOSNPs with enhanced fluorescence and photo stability. Through the combined use of NPO and DOSNPs, we have successfully realized highly sensitive sandwich immunoassays. Capture of the labeled antibodies over nanoporous organosilicate (NPO) films yielded 540 fold increase in fluorescence intensities compared to immobilization of dye labeled antibodies on glass substrates.

Towards inexpensive dip-stick assays for medical diagnostics through use of novel nanostructures and nanoparticles

241st National Meeting (2011)

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