Fabrication of fluorescent nanoparticles for imaging of cells

• Main Author: Chia, Koon Liang
• Other Authors: Yong Ken Tye
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: 2014
• Subjects: DRNTU::Engineering::Bioengineering; DRNTU::Engineering::Electrical and electronic engineering::Optics, optoelectronics, photonics; DRNTU::Science::Chemistry::Biochemistry
• Online Access: http://hdl.handle.net/10356/60401
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

An experiment was designed to synthesise biocompatible nanoparticles with small effective diameter. Three parameters were identified and varied: the type of desolvation agent, the volume ratio of the desolvation agent, and the method of said agent addition. No conclusion could be made regarding the first two hypotheses. However, intermittent addition of the desolvation agent yielded smaller sized nanoparticles as compared to continuous addition. After synthesis, the sample solutions were placed in a vacuum chamber to evaporate the toxic solvents, and the resulting aqueous solution used to stain cell cultures. Spectral analysis indicated an unforeseen interaction on the nanoparticles during evaporation, causing the absorption and emission spectra to be skewed. Despite the relatively large size of the particles, successful fluorescence was observed as the nanoparticles were able to penetrate the cell membrane. Personal learning outcomes were also presented detailing the difficulties faced during particle synthesis and also, the student’s observations on conducting research.