New class of luminescent nanomaterials consisting of silicon quantum dot covalently functionalized to the surface with a library of dyes that absorb in the spectral region ranging from ultraviolet to near infrared.
| Title of the patent | Silicon Quantum Dot Optical Probes |
|---|---|
| Thematic area | Chemistry and biotechnology |
| Ownership | Alma Mater Studiorum Università di Bologna, Board of Regents The University of Texas System |
| Inventors | Paola Ceroni, Giacomo Bergamini, Mirko Locritani |
| Protection | Europe, USA |
| Licensing status | Available for licensing agreement |
| Keywords | Nanocrystal, luminescent, chromophore, fluorescent, quantum, optical imaging |
| Filed on | Aug 19, 2015 |
Very few near infrared light-emitters exist, and these have very low emission quantum yields and low brightness. There are some quantum dots that emit near infrared light, but most of these are composed of toxic elements. There is a need for bright light-emitters that are not toxic and emit in the red to near infrared wavelength range, especially for biological imaging applications.
New class of luminescent nanomaterials consisting of silicon quantum dot covalently functionalized to the surface with a library of dyes (for example, pyrene and porphyrins) that absorb in the spectral region ranging from ultraviolet to near infrared.
Advantages: Extremely bright light-emitting quantum dots in the far red to near infrared wavelength region. Non toxic.
Applications: biological imaging and medical imaging/diagnostics, displays, chemical sensors. These materials can be used as phosphors in displays, LEDs or in near infrared optical detectors and sensors.