Stable Colloidal Silica Particles Doped with a Fluorescent Dye

Abstract

In this study, we described the quick synthesis strategy of stable colloidal silica particles encapsulated with a fluorescent dye. Atomic Force Microscopy AFM, Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy FTIR, and Fluorescence Spectroscopy FS were utilized to characterize the obtained silica particles. AFM analysis revealed that obtained silica particles have a spherical shape with a mean size of 210 ± 13 nm. FS analysis showed that fluorescent dye was successfully incorporated into a silica matrix. In particular, eye-visible green fluorescence emission with a peak maximum at 526 nm was detected. The emission stability of prepared particles was tested in a biologically-relevant pH range, under constant UV irradiation and at different storage time intervals.