Non-Covalent Functionalization of Carbon Nano-Onions with Pyrene–BODIPY Dyads for Biological Imaging

Abstract

We report a novel approach based on non-covalent interactions for the functionalization of carbon nano-onions (CNOs) with fluorophores. , We report a novel approach based on non-covalent interactions for the functionalization of carbon nano-onions (CNOs) with fluorophores. The assembly of pyrene–BODIPY conjugates on the CNO surface by means of π–π-stacking results in fluorescent carbon nanoparticles that are successfully uptaken by HeLa cancer cells with no cytotoxicity observed. The ability to functionalize carbon-based nanomaterials by using mild conditions will pave the way for future clinical application of these versatile nanomaterials.

Silvia Giordani

Full Professor Chair of Nanomaterials

My research interests are in the design, synthesis, and characterization of hybrid smart nanomaterials for biomedical, energy and environmental applications