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Visualize miniature building blocks that autonomously connect to create a robust, flat surface. Scientists have further enhanced these sheets by incorporating unique chemical “hooks” that allow them to bond with luminescent molecules known as fluorophores.
Under the guidance of Associate Professor Gary Baker, along with PhD candidate Piyuni Ishtaweera and their research team, these innovative materials—referred to as fluorescent polyionic nanoclays—have been developed. These customizable materials hold promise for various applications, from enhancing energy and sensor technologies to advancing medical treatments and supporting environmental conservation efforts.
The utility of fluorophores today spans a vast array of applications, including medical imaging, disease identification, and biomarker tagging, as well as roles in sensors for chemical analysis, forensic science, and biosensing. Additionally, they are instrumental in industrial contexts such as monitoring water quality.
The discovery made at Mizzou, currently awaiting patent approval, is noteworthy for the exceptional flexibility of the nanoclays.
“These nanoclays feature significant functionality, allowing us to manipulate the quantity and type of fluorescent molecules that are affixed to their surfaces,” Baker, who is affiliated with the Department of Chemistry, stated. “This leads to a versatile base where the optical and physicochemical characteristics can be finely adjusted by selecting and attaching specific molecules. The ability to customize these materials is a defining trait, facilitating a broad range of applications across multiple sectors.”
Medical applications
Initial evaluations indicate that these materials are safe for medical applications, offering enhanced visualization for internal bodily examinations. Fluorophores have long been employed to illuminate cells and tissues under specialized microscopy, rendering minute details detectable. Moreover, these radiant molecules assist in monitoring disease progression, understanding cellular mechanisms, and diagnosing health issues.
“When normalized for volume, our fluorescently labeled clays demonstrate 7,000 brightness units, which aligns with the highest brightness values recorded for fluorescent materials,” Baker remarked. “This heightened brightness renders these materials exceptionally valuable for advanced optical detection techniques. As a result, this leads to improved analytical signals and detection capabilities, paving the way for novel applications in advanced sensors and contrast agents utilized in medical imaging.”
Although fluorescence remains the primary focus of the ongoing research, Baker emphasized the team’s intent to investigate additional customization avenues for the nanoclays, incorporating various molecules such as amino acids, antibodies, DNA aptamers, and metal-binding ligands. This diversification suggests that these materials could serve functions extending beyond mere fluorescent sensors and imaging applications. They hold potential for harnessing solar energy, delivering medications, enhancing light-based technologies, streamlining medical diagnostics, monitoring disease progression, and contributing to cancer treatments.
Details of their findings can be found in the article titled “Programmable fluorescent polyionic nanoclays as sensory materials,” published in Chemistry of Materials. The research also includes contributions from co-authors Luis Polo-Parada, an associate professor of medical pharmacology and physiology at Mizzou, and Nathaniel Larm from the United States Naval Academy. Ishtaweera has since transitioned to a role at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
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