Anisotropic functionalization of upconversion nanoparticles

Authors

Wei Ren, University of Technology Sydney
Shihui Wen, University of Technology Sydney
Sherif Tawfik, University of Technology Sydney
Qian Su, University of Technology Sydney
Gungun Lin, University of Technology Sydney
Lining Ju, University of Sydney
Michael J. Ford, University of Technology Sydney
Harshad Ghodke, University of WollongongFollow
Antoine M. van Oijen, University of WollongongFollow
Dayong Jin, University of Technology SydneyFollow

RIS ID

127501

Publication Details

Ren, W., Wen, S., Tawfik, S. Abdulkader., Su, Q. P., Lin, G., Ju, L. A., Ford, M. J., Ghodke, H., van Oijen, A. M. & Jin, D. (2018). Anisotropic functionalization of upconversion nanoparticles. Chemical Science, 9 (18), 4352-4358.

Abstract

Despite significant advances toward accurate tuning of the size and shape of colloidal nanoparticles, the precise control of the surface chemistry thereof remains a grand challenge. It is desirable to conjugate functional bio-molecules onto the selected facets of nanoparticles owing to the versatile capabilities rendered by the molecules. We report here facet-selective conjugation of DNA molecules onto upconversion nanoparticles via ligand competition reaction. Different binding strengths of phosphodiester bonds and phosphate groups on DNA and the surfactant molecules al low one to create heterogeneous bio-chemistry surface for upconversion nanoparticles. The tailored surface properties lead to the formation of distinct self-assembly structures. Our findings provide insight into the interactions between biomolecules and nanoparticles, unveiling the potential of using nanoparticles as fundamental building blocks for creating self-assembled nano-architectures.

Grant Number

ARC/FL140100027