Thomas D. Schladt

Au@MnO Nanoflowers: Hybrid Nanocomposites for Selective Dual Functionalization and Imaging

Recently, the development of hybrid nanostructures consisting of various materials has attracted considerable interest. The assembly of different nanomaterials with specific optical, magnetic, or electronic properties to multicomponent composites can change and even enhance the properties of the individual constituents. Specifically tuning the structure and interface interactions within the nanocomposites has resulted in novel platforms of materials that may lead the way to various future technologies, such as synchronous biolabeling, protein separation and detection, heterogeneous catalysis, and multimodal imaging in biomedicine. Of the various kinds of nanomaterials, gold nanorods show an unusually high polarizability at optical frequencies arising from the excitation of localized surface-plasmon resonances (LSPRs). Furthermore, gold nanorods have promising therapeutic properties as hyperthermal agents because the local temperature around the gold nanorods can be increased by laser illumination through the tunable surface plasmon bands in the near infrared (NIR) region. Using NIR radiation for hyperthermal therapy is beneficial because of the low absorption and low scattering by blood and tissue in this spectral range. Magnetic nanoparticles constitute another major class of nanomaterials that have attracted much research effort over the past decades. In particular, exchange-coupled magnetic nanocomposites, such as antiferromagnetic/ferromagnetic core–shell nanoparticles, such as MnO/Mn3O4, have magnetic properties that are quite different from those of the individual components. Concerning biomedical applications, superparamagnetic nanoparticles are attractive as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The majority of nanoparticles that have been investigated in this field comprise iron oxides (Fe3O4, g-Fe2O3), which are known to shorten the transverse (or spin–spin) relaxation time T2. [11] Recently, manganese oxide nanoparticles (MnO NPs) have been shown to be interesting candidates as contrast agents for shortening of the longitudinal (or spin-lattice) relaxation time T1. [12] Consequently, a nanoparticulate system containing both an optically active plasmonic gold unit and a magnetically active MnO component would be advantageous for simultaneous optical and MRI detection. Although considerable research efforts have been put into the chemical design of suitable surface ligands, one of the major obstacles for biocompatible applications remains the lack of surface addressability. Therefore, a nanocomposite made up of individually addressable Au and MnO domains offers two functional surfaces for the attachment of different kinds of molecules, thus increasing both diagnostic and therapeutic potential. Furthermore, the size of either of the two components can be varied to optimize the magnetic and optical properties. Herein we present the successful synthesis of Au@MnO nanocomposites consisting of both paramagnetic MnO NPs and Au crystallites followed by separate surface functionalization of both domains with fluorescent ligands. Scheme 1 depicts a functionalized Au@MnO nanoflower with selective attachment of catechol anchors to the metal oxide petals and thiol anchors to the gold core. The nanoflowers were synthesized by decomposition of manganese acetylacetonate [Mn(acac)2] in diphenyl ether in the presence of preformed Au NPs (“seeds”), with oleic acid and oleylamine as surfactants, following a similar procedure for the preparation of Au@Fe3O4 heteroparticles by Sun et al. [15] The [*] T. D. Schladt, Dr. M. I. Shukoor, K. Schneider, Dr. M. N. Tahir, O. K hler, Prof. Dr. W. Tremel Institut f r Anorganische Chemie und Analytische Chemie Johannes-Gutenberg-Universit t Duesbergweg 10–14, 55099 Mainz (Germany) Fax: (+49)6131-39-25605 E-mail: tremel@uni-mainz.de

Highly soluble multifunctional MnO nanoparticles for simultaneous optical and MRI imaging and cancer treatment using photodynamic therapy

Superparamagnetic MnO nanoparticles were functionalized using a hydrophilic ligand containing protoporphyrin IX as photosensitizer. By virtue of their magnetic properties these nanoparticles may serve as contrast enhancing agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), while the fluorescent target ligand protoporphyrin IX allows simultaneous tumor detection and treatment by photodynamic therapy (PDT). Caki-1 cells were incubated with these nanoparticles. Subsequent exposure to UV light lead to cell apoptosis due to photoactivation of the photosensitizer conjugated to the nanoparticles. This method offers great diagnostic potential for highly proliferative tissues, including tumors. In addition, it is an efficient platform that combines the advantages of a biocompatible photosensitizer with the possibility for MRI monitoring due to the magnetic properties of the highly soluble functionalized manganese oxide nanoparticles.

Multifunctional superparamagnetic MnO@SiO2 core/shell nanoparticles and their application for optical and magnetic resonance imaging

Highly biocompatible multifunctional nanocomposites consisting of monodisperse manganese oxide nanoparticles with luminescent silica shells were synthesized by a combination of w/o-microemulsion techniques and common sol–gel procedures. The nanoparticles were characterized by TEM analysis, powder XRD, SQUID magnetometry, FT-IR, UV/vis and fluorescence spectroscopy and dynamic light scattering. Due to the presence of hydrophilic poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) chains on the SiO2 surface, the nanocomposites are highly soluble and stable in various aqueous solutions, including physiological saline, buffer solutions and human blood serum. The average number of surface amino groups available for ligand binding on the particles was determined using a colorimetric assay with fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC). This quantification is crucial for the drug loading capacity of the nanoparticles. SiO2 encapsulated MnO@SiO2 nanoparticles were less prone to Mn-leaching compared to nanoparticles coated with a conventional bi-functional dopamine–PEG ligand. The presence of a silica shell did not change the magnetic properties significantly, and therefore, the MnO@SiO2 nanocomposite particles showed a T1 contrast with relaxivity values comparable to those of PEGylated MnO nanoparticles. The cytotoxicity of the MnO@SiO2–PEG/NH2 nanoparticles was evaluated using primary cells of the innate immune system with bone marrow-derived polymorphonuclear neutrophils (BM-PMNs) as import phagocytes in the first line of defence against microbial pathogens, and bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs), major regulators of the adaptive immunity. MnO@SiO2–PEG/NH2 nanoparticles have an acceptable toxicity profile and do not interact with BMDCs as shown by the lack of activation and uptake.

Phase separated Cu@Fe3O4 heterodimer nanoparticles from organometallic reactants

Cu@Fe3O4 heteroparticles with distinct morphologies were synthesized from organometallic reactants. The shape of the magnetic domains could be controlled by the solvent and reaction conditions. They display magnetic and optical properties that are useful for simultaneous magnetic and optical detection. After functionalization, the Cu@Fe3O4 heterodimers become water soluble. The morphology, structure, magnetic and optical properties of the as-synthesized heterodimer nanoparticles were characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), mossbauer spectroscopy, superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometry, and dark field imaging. A special advantage of these heterodimers lies in the fact that the nanodomains of different composition can be used e.g. for the formation of nitric oxide (NO) through the Cu domain and heterodimer nanoparticles can be removed from the reaction mixture by means of the magnetic domain (Fe3O4).

Crystal-Facet-Dependent Metallization in Electrolyte-Gated Rutile TiO2 Single Crystals

The electric-field-induced metallization of insulating oxides is a powerful means of exploring and creating exotic electronic states. Here we show by the use of ionic liquid gating that two distinct facets of rutile TiO2, namely, (101) and (001), show clear evidence of metallization, with a disorder-induced metal-insulator transition at low temperatures, whereas two other facets, (110) and (100), show no substantial effects. This facet-dependent metallization can be correlated with the surface energy of the respective crystal facet and, thus, is consistent with oxygen vacancy formation and diffusion that results from the electric fields generated within the electric double layers at the ionic liquid/TiO2 interface. These effects take place at even relatively modest gate voltages.

Reversible Self-Assembly of Metal Chalcogenide/Metal Oxide Nanostructures Based on Pearson Hardness**

Nanotechnology has reached a stage of development where not individual nanoparticles but rather systems of greater complexity are the focus of concern. These complex structures incorporate two or more types of materials, an example of which is the formation of metal–semiconductor hybrids, which effectively combine the properties of both materials. The assembly of multicomponent nanoparticles from constituents with different optical, electrical, magnetic, and chemical properties can lead to novel functionalities that are independent of the individual components and may be tailored to fit a specific application. These applications include such far-reaching challenges as solar energy conversion, biological sensors, mechanical and optical devices, and potential methods for drug delivery and medical diagnostics. A specific challenge is to assemble nanoparticles into a hierarchical structure. Nanotubes (NT-MQ2) [7] and fullerenes (IF-MQ2) [8] of layered metal chalcogenides are the purely inorganic analogues of carbon fullerenes and nanotubes, and exhibit analogous mechanical and electronic properties. They consist of metal atoms sandwiched between two inert chalcogenide layers. Their physical properties are related to their crystal structures, which contain MQ2 slabs with metal atoms sandwiched between two inert chalcogen layers. These MQ2 layers are stacked with only van der Waals contacts between them. The steric shielding of the metal atoms by the chalcogen surface layers from nucleophilic attack by oxygen or organic ligands makes chalcogenide nanoparticles highly inert and notoriously difficult to functionalize. Some progress has been made by employing chalcophilic transition metals in combination with multidentate surface ligands: The 3d metals “wet” the sulfur surface of the chalcogenide nanoparticles whilst the multidentate surface ligands partially block one hemisphere of the metal coordination environment. This steric shielding prevents an aggregation of the chalcogenide nanoparticles through interparticle cross-linking. The assembly of aggregates from different types of nanoparticles typically relies on chemical modifications of the nanoparticle surface to achieve a specific linkage. A bifunctional organic linker molecule having specific anchor groups for each type of nanoparticle is bound with one of its anchor groups to the first type of the pre-synthesized nanoparticles. In a subsequent step, the second anchor group is used for the attachment of the second type of nanoparticles. The goal is to attach a controlled number of target molecules while avoiding aggregation through nonspecific interactions with surfaces and other particles in solution. To achieve that goal, the nanoparticles have to be stabilized with a protecting layer containing some chemical anchor points for further modification. This covalent chemical attachment offers high stability in different solvents and ionic environments. Therefore, current strategies for the functionalization of nanoparticles rely on either 1) non-covalent physisorption of linker molecules to the surface of the nanoparticles, 2) electrostatic anchoring of an additional polymeric layer, or 3) the use of short bifunctional cross-linkers. These processes lead to low yields or low surface coverage. An alternative strategy is to grow nanoparticles directly on the nanotubes by using colloidal nanoparticle synthesis methods. Colloidal nanoparticles may have an affinity based on their acid–base properties, functional groups, or Pearson hardness for nanotube surfaces that allows their attachment without the aid of linkers. Herein we present a novel synthetic strategy based on Pearson s HSAB (hard/soft acid–base) principle. that allows the formation of a hierarchical assembly of metal chalcogenide/metal oxide nanostructures. The metal oxide particles can be functionalized in a subsequent reaction step at room temperature to tailor the chalcogenide surfaces or to reversibly detach them from the chalcogenide surfaces with excess surface ligand (Scheme 1). The recycled chalcogenide [*] J. K. Sahoo, Dr. M. N. Tahir, Dr. A. Yella, T. D. Schladt, Prof. Dr. W. Tremel Institut f r Anorganische Chemie und Analytische Chemie der Johannes Gutenberg Universit t Duesbergweg 10–14, 55099 Mainz (Germany) Fax: (+49)6131-39-25605 E-mail: tremel@uni-mainz.de

Synthesis, characterization and functionalization of nearly mono-disperse copper ferrite CuxFe3−xO4 nanoparticles

Magnetic nanocrystals are of great interest for a fundamental understanding of nanomagnetism and for their technological applications. CuxFe3−xO4 nanocrystals (x ≈ 0.32) with sizes ranging between 5 and 7 nm were synthesized starting from Cu(HCOO)2 and Fe(CO)5 using oleic acid and oleylamine as surfactants. The nanocrystals were characterized by high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM), electron diffraction (ED), magnetization studies and Mossbauer spectroscopy. The CuxFe3−xO4 particles are superparamagnetic at room temperature 300 K with a saturation magnetization of 30.5 emu g−1. Below their blocking temperature of 60 K, they become ferrimagnetic, and at 5 K they show a coercive field of 122 Oe and a saturation magnetization of 36.1 emu g−1. The CuxFe3−xO4 nanoparticles were functionalized using a hydrophilic multifunctional polymeric ligand containing PEG(800) groups and a fluorophore. By virtue of their magnetic properties these nanoparticles may serve as contrast enhancing agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

High-throughput screening of inorganic compounds for the discovery of novel dielectric and optical materials

Dielectrics are an important class of materials that are ubiquitous in modern electronic applications. Even though their properties are important for the performance of devices, the number of compounds with known dielectric constant is on the order of a few hundred. Here, we use Density Functional Perturbation Theory as a way to screen for the dielectric constant and refractive index of materials in a fast and computationally efficient way. Our results constitute the largest dielectric tensors database to date, containing 1,056 compounds. Details regarding the computational methodology and technical validation are presented along with the format of our publicly available data. In addition, we integrate our dataset with the Materials Project allowing users easy access to material properties. Finally, we explain how our dataset and calculation methodology can be used in the search for novel dielectric compounds.

Enhanced motility of alveolar cancer cells induced by CpG-ODN-functionalized nanoparticles

Lysosomal TLR-9 is stimulated in A549 lung epithelial cells through administration of nanoparticles (NPs) either based on γ-Fe2O3 or MnO. Synthetic single-stranded immunostimulatory CpG-oligodeoxynucleotides (CpG-ODN) are covalently attached to fluorescently labelled γ-Fe2O3- and MnO-NPs in order to monitor the impact of TLR-9 activation on motility and cell morphology employing time-resolved impedance spectroscopy. In contrast to cytotoxic MnO-based particles, particles made from Fe2O3 are non-toxic carriers for pathogen-mimicking CpG-ODNs, which efficiently stimulate endogenous TLR-9, resulting in enhanced micromotility and a loss of barrier properties. Compared to neat CpG-ODNs administered in the absence of particles, the nucleotides displayed by NPs are found to be considerably more efficient in stimulating A549 cells attributed to a larger local concentration of ligands on the particles’ surface. The study shows that particle-based CpG-ODNs added to tumour cells increase their motility even further and therefore might also enhance their invasiveness and metastatic potential, foiling the original strategy of immunotherapy.

Engineered Multifunctional Nanotools for Biological Applications

Smart multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles are popular candidates for several biological applications owing to their intrinsic magnetic property and diverse applications that range from rare protein separation and biomedical utilization to cancer therapy and diagnostics. A universal protocol, for the development of such nanocarriers, is highly desirable for scientists with different backgrounds so that custom-made multifunctional nanoparticles can be developed to address their needs, among which are the superparamagnetic iron oxide and manganese oxide nanoparticles that are synthesized through high temperature decomposition reactions. However, an interface is needed to present these inorganic materials to biomolecules to enhance their application for different biological use. This compatibility is achieved by introducing a class of multifunctional copolymers. Magnetic nanoparticles are elaborately decorated with copolymers that carry three principle functionalities as follows: (1) dopamine moieties for surface anchorage of metal oxides; (2) dyes for optical detection; and (3) a large variety of functional molecules such as amines or carboxylates for conjugation of various biomolecules (i.e., proteins, nucleic acids, enzymes, etc.). These copolymers, in combination with nanoparticles, serve as a tool box that results in engineered nanotools with customized modifications and functionalities for applications in fields ranging from proteomics -bioseparation to tumor therapy.