Nanostructured porous silicon-based dual luminescent/magnetic particles for biomedical tracking

Nanostructured porous silicon (nanoPS) particles with dual luminescent and magnetic properties have been fabricated and biofunctionalized aiming at cellular applications in both progenitor cell research and cellular therapy. The dual luminescent/magnetic nanoparticles (DLMNPs) have been fabricated by the electrodeposition of cobalt and iron into nanoPS. DLMNPs show luminescence properties as illustrated by photoluminescence measurements and direct fluorescence microscopy, and simultaneously exhibit magnetic properties. The resulting DLMNPs have been subsequently functionalized and internalized into cells. The experimental results show that luminescence remains several days and corroborate the biocompatibility of the DLMNPs. Such dual properties are relevant research tools as non toxic cellular tracker for progenitor cells and consequently able to be used in many strategies of cellular therapy. Additionally, the nanoPS-DLMNPs can be functionalized with various biomolecules that will provide them with new functionalities.