Multifunctional silica nanocapsule with a single surface hole

Abstract

The fabrication of multifunctional silica nanocapsules containing magnetic nanoparticles and fluorescent quantum dots (QD) was reported, and the dual mode imaging properties of the nanocapsules were also examined. The nanocapules were internalized by phagocytic dendritic cells and were found to be potent bimodal imaging contrast agents. The surfactant cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) solution added to the organic solutions containing QDs and magnetic NPs is found to stabilize organic droplets in the water phase. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images show that the silica nanocapsules have only a single hole on each surface. A magnetic field applied to the aqueous dispersions of silica nanocapsules shows that the nanocapsules are easily collected, suggesting the presence of magnetic nanoparticles in nanocapsules. Single surface hole silica nanocapsule is found to be easily encapsulated by a polymer coating after loading therapeutic drugs.