We have recently reported on fluorescent silica nanoparticles that are brighter than quantum dots (ultrabright particles). Here we report on the first fluorescent sensor built on the platform of these ultrabright nanoparticles of ~35nm in diameter. This size is suitable for in-vivo applciations. The temperature dependence is achieved through the use of two dyes, a reference (rhodamine 6G) and temperature sensitive (rhodamine B ) dyes. Due to the dense packaging of the dye molecules inside nanoparticles, the Forster resonance energy transfer (FRET) between the dyes. As a result, the fluorescence of both dyes can be excited with a single wavelength. We demonstrate temperature sensitivity of the nanoparticles, which is highly linear and repeatable in the range of 5 - 50�C, which is of interest for hyperthermia treatment of cancer.

Ultrabright fluorescent nanothermometers for biomedical applications

244th National Meeting (2012)

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