Abstract: The invention relates to synthesis of nanoparticles, in particular to methods for producing nanoparticles with networks consisting of Z sulphate (Z=magnesium (Mg), calcium (Ca), strontium (Sr), barium (Ba) or the binary mixtures thereof). The inventive method consists in synthesising the nanoparticles by crystal growth from an ion Z source and a sulphate ion source in a liquid phase mixture. The invention produces Z sulphate nanoparticles having a small diameter and uniformly dispersible in water or other solvents in a simple way. Co-ordinating solvents like glycerine, glycol ethylene and other polyethylene glycols, polyalcohols or dimethylsulphoxide (DMSO) are used for the synthesis mixture.

Abstract: The present invention relates to luminescent inorganic nanoparticles comprising (a) a core made from a first metal salt or oxide being surrounded by (b) a shell made from a second metal salt or oxide being luminescent and having non-semiconductor properties. These particles can be advantageously used in (fluorescence) resonance energy transfer ((F)RET)-based bioassays in view of their higher (F)RET efficiency.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an aqueous colloidal gold solution, comprising (a) nano-particular gold particles, (b) a compound having a polar tertiary amino group conjugated via a hydrophobic aromatic residue with a weaker alkaline group, and (c) a stabilizer comprising a mercapto group (—SH) and an acidic group, in particular a sulfonic acid group (—SO3?). This gold solution uses an ecologically compatible medium and is suited in an especial manner for writing and for printing, also for inkjet printers, since it has a long-term storage life and generates an attractive metal-like gold sheen.