Inventors:
- Tucson AZ, US
Colleen M. Janczak - Tucson AZ, US
Zeinab Mokhtari - Tucson AZ, US
Isen Andrew C. Calderon - Tucson AZ, US
International Classification:
C08K 5/00
C08L 25/06
C08L 83/02
C08K 5/353
Abstract:
Scintillant-doped polystyrene core nanoparticles surrounded by a silica shell can be used to quantify low-energy radionuclides. The nanoparticles are recoverable and re-useable, which may reduce waste and allow for sample recovery. Unlike traditional liquid scintillation cocktail (LSC) formulations, the nanoparticles are made from non-toxic and non-volatile components, and can be used without the aid of surfactants, making them a possible alternative to LSC for reducing the environmental impact of studies that employ radioactive tracers. Recognition elements attached to the functionalized silica surfaces of the nanoparticles allow for separation-free scintillation proximity assay (SPA) applications in aqueous samples. Lipid membrane coatings deposited on the nanoparticle surface can significantly reduce the non-specific adsorption of proteins and other biomolecules, and allow for the incorporation of membrane proteins or other membrane associated binding molecules.