Water-dispersable nanoparticles

摘要

Provided herein are methods for making water-soluble nanoparticles comprising a core/shell nanocrystal that is coated with a surface layer comprising enough hydrophilic ligands to render the nanoparticle water soluble or water dispersable. Methods for crosslinking molecules on the surface of a nanoparticle, which methods can be used on the above water-soluble nanoparticles also are provided. Nanoparticle compositions resulting from these methods are also provided.

主权项

1. A method for making a water-dispersable nanoparticle comprising:
a. providing a nanocrystal coated with a surface layer comprising a hydrophobic ligand, and dissolved or dispersed in a non-aqueous solvent; b. contacting the nanocrystal dispersion with a phase transfer agent and an aqueous solution comprising a hydrophilic ligand, to form a biphasic mixture having an aqueous phase and a non-aqueous phase; and c. maintaining the mixture under conditions that cause the nanocrystal to migrate from the non-aqueous solvent into the aqueous phase.