CdTe SiO2 Core Shell Nanoparticles (Cadmium Tellurium Silica, 99.9%, APS: 80-100nm, Metal Salt Core)

CdTe SiO2 Core-Shell Nanoparticles

CdTe/SiO2 core-shell nanoparticles are a hybrid class of nanomaterials composed of a cadmium telluride (CdTe) core surrounded by a silicon dioxide (SiO₂) shell. This unique structure combines the optical and electronic properties of CdTe quantum dots with the protective and stabilizing properties of SiO₂, creating a nanoparticle that excels in a wide variety of applications, particularly in the fields of biomedical imaging, drug delivery, sensing, and optoelectronics.

Applications

Biomedical Imaging and Diagnostics:

Fluorescence Imaging: CdTe/SiO₂ quantum dots are widely used in in vivo and in vitro fluorescence imaging due to their strong luminescence, tunable emission, and biocompatibility. The ability to control the size of the CdTe core allows for multicolor fluorescence imaging, where quantum dots of different sizes can be used to track multiple biological processes simultaneously.

Cell Tracking: These nanoparticles can be used to label and track individual cells in living organisms, enabling real-time monitoring of cellular behavior, migration, and interaction with other cells. The long-lasting fluorescence makes them ideal for longitudinal studies in biological systems.

Molecular Diagnostics: CdTe/SiO₂ quantum dots can be functionalized with specific biomolecules (e.g., antibodies or peptides) to create biosensors that can detect disease markers, pathogens, or biological changes. This can be particularly useful in cancer diagnostics, infections, and neurological disorders.

Drug Delivery:

The SiO₂ shell makes these nanoparticles suitable for drug delivery systems. The non-toxic and biocompatible nature of SiO₂ allows for safe and efficient delivery of therapeutic agents, such as chemotherapeutic drugs, small molecules, or RNA-based therapies.

The surface of the SiO₂ shell can be modified to carry targeting ligands, enabling specific delivery of drugs to particular tissues or cells, thereby improving therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects. For example, antibody-functionalized CdTe/SiO₂ quantum dots can specifically target cancer cells.

Biosensing:

CdTe/SiO₂ quantum dots are ideal for use in biosensors due to their high surface area and the ability to functionalize the SiO₂ shell with various molecules. The strong and tunable fluorescence enables highly sensitive detection of biological analytes, such as proteins, nucleic acids, or small molecules.

They can be used in fluorescence-based detection assays, such as ELISA (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay), lateral flow assays, and microsensors for the detection of biomarkers or environmental pollutants.

Environmental Sensing:

CdTe/SiO₂ quantum dots can be employed in environmental monitoring to detect toxic substances, such as heavy metals, pollutants, or industrial waste. The high sensitivity of the quantum dots makes them useful for detecting trace amounts of chemicals in water, air, or soil.

Due to their ability to function as optical sensors, these nanoparticles can be used for in-situ monitoring of environmental conditions, such as water quality, pH levels, or chemical contaminants.