CuInS2/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals have been investigated as an alternative to cadmium based nanomaterials for biomedical and industrial applications, however data on the relative toxicity is lacking, partly due to the challenges of introducing these materials to an aqueous environment. The research presented in this work demonstrates the ability to perform an aqueous phase transfer with CuInS2/ZnS core/shell nanocrystals using ligand exchange prior to introduction to biological species. The chemical and optical stability of the nanocrystals are studied to evaluate issues including concentration determination, degree of aggregation, and loss of fluorescence. The particles have been characterized using TEM, UV-Vis absorption, fluorescence, and ICP-OES. Once water-stable suspensions of nanocrystals with retained optical and physical properties have been prepared, biological species can be properly dosed for careful toxicity studies.

Aqueous phase transfer of CuInS2/ZnS nanocrystals for toxicity studies

255th National Meeting (2018)

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