Isotopically labeled three layer core-shell nanoparticles

Reference #: 01100

The University of South Carolina is offering licensing opportunities for novel isotopically-enriched core-shell nanoparticles to quantify the respective roles of the particle and the ion from particle dissolution in bioaccumulation.

Invention Description:

Nanoparticles of between 10-50 nm in size can be made of pure metals or their oxides, alloys of two more metals (or oxides) or as core-shell nanoparticles. In this case, there are two layers of metals (or their oxides) which are pure phases of that component in each layer. The subject invention uses three layers and labels each separately using different isotopes of the selected element. The middle layer prevents dissolution of the inner layer, but the outer layer is allowed to dissolve or be modified.

Potential Applications:

• Identifying bioaccumulation of nanoparticles within a cell or organism as article or dissolution controlled
• Tracers in research and industrial applications

Advantages and Benefits:

1. Allows many processes to be examined directly
2. Direct differentiation

Background:

The study of nanoparticles and their bioavailability (and more generally their toxicity and environmental fate and behavior) is key to maintaining and improving ecological and human health.