Synthesis of Functional Nanocomposites and Their Bio-imaging Applications

Abstract

In this thesis, the study was aimed at the investigation on the fabrication approaches, magnetic and optical properties, as well as the performances on the in vitro bio-imaging applications of the functional nanocomposites. To realize the satisfied performance and uniformity of nanocomposites, the preparation of such materials was divided into two parts: synthesis of hydrophobic functional nanoparticles and subsequent encapsulation by protecting materials. Monodispersed hydrophobic magnetic and optical nanoparticles have been successfully prepared. Following that, Surface coating routes using inert materials such as silica and graphene were adopted. These nanocomposites were also broadly characterized in terms of size, morphology, colloidal stability, composite structure, as well as magnetic and optical properties. The cytotoxicity assay of these nanocomposites demonstrated low cytotoxic effect upon NIH/3T3 cells lines due to the protection from the shell or the materials encapsulating the functional nanoparticles. Moreover, subsequent in vitro bio-imaging demonstrations using these nanocomposites were successful.