Virtually any molecule can be placed on the surface of the nanoparticles, such as fluorescent molecules for bioimaging or drugs. CSIC scientists at the Institut Català de Nanociencia i Nanotecnologia and at the Universidad Autónoma de Barcelona (UAB) have developed a low cost and simple procedure for obtaining metalorganic nanoparticles.
The nanoparticles obtained have dimensions from 40 nanometers to few micrometers. They are resistant to degradation, to high temperatures and extreme pH. Although they are water insoluble, they can be dispersed in organic and watery emulsions solvents.
The method for obtaining these nanoparticles, which is based on non-pollutant solvents, enables controlling the size of the nanoparticles as well as their physical and chemical characteristics, which can be addressed to more than one function.
In medicine, electronics and decontamination
Due to its composition (metallic ions and organic ligands), the nanoparticles have optical, magnetic and catalytic properties, what makes them a good option for technological and medical diagnostic uses. Also, they can be used for the transport and controlled-release of active molecules (drugs, magnetic particles, proteins, contrast agents, vaccines...)
Virtually any molecule can be placed on the surface of the nanoparticles - such as fluorescent molecules for bioimaging, antibodies for the selective tracing of tumor cells or biomarkers- adding therefore new functionalities. The nanoparticles are easy to obtain, as well as biocompatible and non toxic.
The capacity of the nanoparticles to bind to different compounds in the environment would allow applications like decontamination of waters or coatings. The nanoparticles could be also applied as catalyzers. In electronics, they could be applied for sensors, as they can detect electromagnetic fields, and changes in the pressure and in the pH.
Contact:
Isabel Gavilanes-Pérez, PhD
Deputy Vice-Presidency
for Knowledge Transfer, CSIC
Tel.: + 34 93 594 77 00