Radio (14C)- and fluorescent-doubly labeled silica nanoparticles for biological and environmental toxicity assessment

A new and efficient synthetic route to fluorescent and ¹⁴C-double-labeled silica-based nanoparticles (NPs) is described. The synthesis has been carried out using the “oil-in-water” micro-emulsion technique. Fluorescent and radioactive labeling have been achieved entrapping labeled poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) molecules in the NPs. The produced particles have been analyzed by means of scanning electron microscopy, photon correlation spectroscopy, confocal microscopy, scintillation counting and oxidation/combustion experiments. Fluorescence quenching experiments confirm that the label is entrapped in the particles. The results presented suggest that the silica matrix does not block the β-radiations emitted from the labeled PEG molecules entrapped in the NPs.