Objective
The task of SNIB is to develop functional nanoparticles that allow the detection of ions (e.g. sodium, potassium, chloride), biomolecules (e.g. transmitter substances, amino acids, saccharides) or drugs and their metabolites in living cells and tissues. Analyte recognition is achieved via fluorescent indicator dyes that are embedded in the matrix of the nanoparticles. Specific binding of the analytes to the fluorophore causes changes in the fluorescence properties (e.g. fluorescence intensity and lifetime).
The polymer matrix of the nanoparticle does not only provide a selective scaffold for the fluorophore, it also provides a defined microenvironment, in which the binding of the analyte and the concomitant change in fluorescence cannot be compromised by interfering biomolecules (e.g. proteins). The size of the nanoparticles can be tailored to the specific task. Molecularly imprinted analyte-sensitive nanoparticles of larger diameter (300 - 600 nm) may be embedded in tissues whereas small nanoparticles (50 - 300 nm) can be injected directly into living cells. Unlike common indicator dyes, nanoparticles do not bind to proteins or accumulate in certain cell compartments.
This fact makes nanoparticles especially suited for the detection of ions whose detection via fluorescent indicator dyes is still limited. Furthermore, molecularly imprinted nanoparticles can open new ways for the detection of biomolecules that cannot be detected presently via fluorescent indicator dyes. Fluorescent nanoparticles will also be applied in process analysis, for the monitoring of food quality, and for the detection of toxic substances and warfare agents.
Fields of science
- natural scienceschemical sciencesinorganic chemistryalkali metals
- natural scienceschemical sciencespolymer sciences
- engineering and technologyelectrical engineering, electronic engineering, information engineeringelectronic engineeringsensors
- engineering and technologynanotechnologynano-materials
- natural scienceschemical sciencesorganic chemistryamines
Keywords
Call for proposal
FP6-2004-MOBILITY-3
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