Gd\u3csup\u3eIii\u3c/sup\u3e-Functionalized Fluorescent Quantum Dots As Multimodal Imaging Probes

The synthesis of multimodal quantum dots with the dual functionality of yellow fluorescence and paramagnetism was illustrated. Fluorescent quantum dots have demonstrated potential for labeling biological entities such as tissues and cells, in addition to optically detectable probes, superparamagnetic nanoparticles. These multimodal probes would benefit in vivo disease diagnosis and surgical guidance based on their ability to be detected in multiple probes. Most of the commercial magnetic resonance (MR) contrast agents contain the paramagnetic GdIII ion, which has seven unpaired electrons and a long electronic relaxation time. Multimodal-imaging quantum dots with an inner crystal diameter of 3 nm and a 4-7 nm thick silica layer have been developed by paramagnetic GdIII functionalization via a metal-chelating silane coupling agent (TSPETE) to the yellow fluorescent quantum dots