Metal-enhanced fluorescence nanoparticles
AssigneeUniversity of Maryland
InventorChris D. Geddes
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Abstract
The present invention relates to nanoparticles comprising a metallic core with a surface coating, wherein the coating comprises at least an excitable radiative molecule attached thereto or impregnated therein, and wherein the excitable molecule is positioned at a sufficient distance from metallic core to enhance emissions when excited. The nanoparticles are included in compositions that may be used for surface coatings, cosmetics, assays, flow velocity measurements and targeting of tissue.
Claims20
A composition comprising a nanoparticle, wherein the nanoparticle comprises a metallic core with a coating encompassing the metallic core, wherein the coating comprises at least an excitable radiative molecule attached thereto or impregnated therein, and wherein the excitable molecule is positioned at a sufficient distance from metallic core to enhance emissions when excited by electromagnetic energy in the visible range.
A cosmetic composition for application to skin or hair comprising a metallic nanoparticle having a metallic core and a coating encompassing such metallic core, wherein the coating comprises at least one fluorescent molecule attached to the surface of the coating or impregnated therein and positioned at a distance from the metallic core sufficient to enhance fluorescence of the molecule, in combination with a cosmetically acceptable vehicle.
A metallic nanoparticle to be used in velocimetry of turbulent flows, wherein the metallic nanoparticle comprises a metallic core and a coating encompassing such metallic core, wherein the coating comprises at least one fluorescent molecule attached to the surface of the coating or impregnated therein and positioned at a distance from the metallic core sufficient to enhance fluorescence of the molecule.
Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.