Surface-activation of semiconductor nanostructures for biological applications

Abstract

The present invention provides means and methods for producing surface-activated semiconductor nanoparticles suitable for in vitro and in vivo applications that can fluoresce in response to light excitation. Semiconductor nanostructures can be produced by generating a porous layer in semiconductor substrate comprising a network of nanostructures. Prior or subsequent to cleavage from the substrate, the nanostructures can be activated by an activation means such as exposing their surfaces to a plasma, oxidation or ion implantation. In some embodiments, the surface activation renders the nanostructures more hydrophilic, thereby facilitating functionalization of the nanoparticles for either in vitro or in vivo use.

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.