Composite organic-inorganic nanoparticles and methods for use thereof

• Main Authors: SUN LEI, SU XING, ZHANG JINGWU, BERLIN ANDREW A
• Format: Patent
• Language: English
• Published: 30.06.2005
• Edition: 7
• Subjects: INVESTIGATING OR ANALYSING MATERIALS BY DETERMINING THEIRCHEMICAL OR PHYSICAL PROPERTIES; MEASURING; PHYSICS; TESTING

Composite organic-inorganic nanoparticles (COIN) and clusters of such nanoparticles are provided that produce surface-enhanced Raman signals when excited by a laser. The nanoparticles include metallic colloids and a Raman-active organic compound. The metal required for achieving a suitable SERS signal is inherent in the nanoparticle, and a wide variety of Raman-active organic compounds can be incorporated into the particle. Methods for producing the nanoparticles and clusters of nanoparticles are also provided. In addition, polymeric microspheres containing the nanoparticles and clusters of nanoparticles and methods of making them are also provided. Methods for using the nanoparticles, clusters, and microspheres in assays for multiplex detection of biological molecules do not require signal amplification techniques.