This book provides a critical review of recent advances in the development of fluorescent organic nanoparticles as materials of choice for the design and fabrication of sensors, bioimaging agents and drug delivery systems. The properties and functions of nanoparticles differ significantly from those of their parent entities or their bulk phases. Two of their most important features are their increased surface-to volume ratio, and the formation of surface structures differing from those in their bulk phases. In addition, the book discusses the synthesis of fluorescent conjugated polymers, self-assembled fluorescent nanoparticles, polydopamine nanoparticles, and aggregation-induced-emission or aggregation-induced-emission enhancement nanomaterials. In closing, the book provides an outlook on future research and development in fluorescent organic nanoparticles as smart materials with an impressive range of potential applications.

This book provides a critical review of recent advances in the development of fluorescent organic nanoparticles as materials of choice for the design and fabrication of sensors, bioimaging agents and drug delivery systems. The properties and functions of nanoparticles differ significantly from those of their parent entities or their bulk phases. Two of their most important features are their increased surface-to volume ratio, and the formation of surface structures differing from those in their bulk phases. In addition, the book discusses the synthesis of fluorescent conjugated polymers, self-assembled fluorescent nanoparticles, polydopamine nanoparticles, and aggregation-induced-emission or aggregation-induced-emission enhancement nanomaterials. In closing, the book provides an outlook on future research and development in fluorescent organic nanoparticles as smart materials with an impressive range of potential applications.

During the past two decades, increasing research attention has been devoted to nanomaterials (materials in the range of 10-100 nm) because of their unique optoelectronic properties. In particular, inorganic nanomaterials, such as quantum dots, metal-based nanoparticles and silica nanoparticles, have been investigated extensively. Instead, nanomaterials based on organic molecules are been subject of research only since very recent years. This thesis presents an extensive study of novel fluorescent organic nanoparticles and fluorescent organic binary and ternary nanoassemblies. In particular the attention is focused on the preparation and characterization of organic nanoparticles and new nanocomposites obtained from different types of small organic chromophores, their stabilization and the use of these materials for biological and optoelectronics applications.

A core text on principles, laboratory/field methodologies, and data interpretation for fluorescence applications in aquatic science, for advanced students and researchers.

Quantum dots (QDs) and fluorescent silica nanoparticles (NPs) have impacted the domain of bioimaging by their high brightness and robust photostability. In comparison to QDs, organic NPs can be even brighter and fully biodegradable, as well biocompatible and not containing toxic elements inside. Herein, we developed four types of these NPs. At first, lipid nano-droplets loaded with lipophilic flavone and Nile Red dyes for in vivo imaging in zebrafish; second, ion-association of alkyl rhodamine B with fluorinated tetraphenylborate (TPB) counterions result in 11-20 nm NPs with fluorescence quantum yield up to 60%; third, 7 nm micellar NPs obtained by co-assembly of cyanine amphiphiles with TPB counterions; finally, polymerization of calix[4]arene micelles using bi-functional cyanine crosslinkers giving 7 nm NPs, that show fluorogenic behavior and high intracellular stability. These NPs, being of smaller size and brighter than QDs, have emerged as promising tools for bioimaging.

Performance of biosensing and bioimaging techniques can be improved by fluorescent nanoparticles (NPs) capable of efficient Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). The aim of my PhD project is to develop bright and photostable dye-loaded polymer NPs capable to undergo efficient FRET beyond the Förster radius. We showed that bulky groups are essential for minimizing self-quenching and bleaching of encapsulated dyes. Moreover, polymer matrix plays a crucial role in controlling the inter-fluorophore communication by excitation energy transfer. Then, by exploiting communication of dyes, we designed NPs exhibiting efficient photoswitching as well as giant light-harvesting. Finally, very small NPs with efficient FRET to their surface were developed and applied for ultra-sensitive molecule detection of proteins. The obtained results provide new insights in the development of bright nanoparticles with efficient energy transfer as well as nano-probes for single-molecule detection.

Discover how metal-enhanced fluorescence is changing traditional concepts of fluorescence This book collects and analyzes all the current trends, opinions, and emerging hot topics in the field of metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF). Readers learn how this emerging technology enhances the utility of current fluorescence-based approaches. For example, MEF can be used to better detect and track specific molecules that may be present in very low quantities in either clinical samples or biological systems. Author Chris Geddes, a noted pioneer in the field, not only explains the fundamentals of metal-enhanced fluorescence, but also the significance of all the most recent findings and models in the field. Metal-enhanced fluorescence refers to the use of metal colloids and nanoscale metallic particles in fluorescence systems. It offers researchers the opportunity to modify the basic properties of fluorophores in both near- and far-field fluorescence formats. Benefits of metal-enhanced fluorescence compared to traditional fluorescence include: Increased efficiency of fluorescence emission Increased detection sensitivity Protect against fluorophore photobleaching Applicability to almost any molecule, including both intrinsic and extrinsic chromophores Following a discussion of the principles and fundamentals, the author examines the process and applications of metal-enhanced fluorescence. Throughout the book, references lead to the primary literature, facilitating in-depth investigations into particular topics. Guiding readers from the basics to state-of-the-technology applications, this book is recommended for all chemists, physicists, and biomedical engineers working in the field of fluorescence.