Abstract: It is described a silica nanoparticle comprising: a) a silicate network core with a diameter in a range from 10 nm to 500 nm, preferably from 20 nm to 250 nm, wherein at least a luminophore (dye) is confined in the said silicate network core, or covalently linked to the silicate network of the core because said luminophore (dye) has an anchoring moiety able to form at least a covalent link with the silicate network core, b) a shell layer over the silicate network core a) incorporating dye/s, said shell layer b) with a thickness from 0.5 to 7 nm, preferably from 0.5 to 6 nm, more preferably from 1 to 5 nm, comprising colloidal stabilizer agent/s, selected from the group comprising: sterical or electrostatic antifouling agents or polyether antifouling agents.

Abstract: A method for detecting nano- and micro-plastics in an aqueous sample suspected of being polluted with nano- or micro-plastics is provided. The method is based on interaction of the nano- and micro-plastics with hyaluronic acid functionalized with a luminescent or fluorescent dye. The luminescent or fluorescent dye is Rhodamine B or the metallorganic complex Ru(bpy)32+.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silica nanoparticles comprising at least two dyes. Said dyes have a respective relationship of donor-acceptor couple in an energy transfer process and have a molar absorption coefficient ?10,000 M?1 cm?1 for the considered spectral region, a fluorescence quantum yield ?0.01, good overlap integral, according to the Förster theory, between said donor and said acceptor dye; said active compounds may be lipophilic or may present a functionality useful for the introduction of a trialkoxysilane moiety. The dyes provide an efficient energy transfer process. Said nanoparticles are useful as probes in the field of medicine, in particular therapy and diagnostics, more particularly in theranostics, and in the field of analytical chemistry.

Abstract: Nanoparticles, which are luminescent and/or electroactive and/or suitable for MRI (magnetic resonance imaging and/or PET (positron emission tomography) applications, comprise a micelle, which has a hydrophilic shell and an hydrophobic central portion, and a polysilicate core; the micelle comprises a plurality of molecules of a functionalized surfactant having the following structure: M1-Hydro1-Lipo-Hydro2-M2 wherein Lipo indicates a hydrophobic chain; Hydro1 ed Hydro2 indicate, each, a respective hydrophilic chain; M1 ed M2 represent respective recognition functionalities.

Abstract: The present invention relates to silica nanoparticles comprising at least two dyes. Said dyes have a respective relationship of donor-acceptor couple in an energy transfer process and have a molar absorption coefficient ?10,000 M?1 cm?1 for the considered spectral region, a fluorescence quantum yield ?0.01, good overlap integral, according to the Förster theory, between said donor and said acceptor dye; said active compounds may be lipophilic or may present a functionality useful for the introduction of a trialkoxysilane moiety. The dyes provide an efficient energy transfer process. Said nanoparticles are useful as probes in the field of medicine, in particular therapy and diagnostics, more particularly in theranostics, and in the field of analytical chemistry.

Abstract: Nanoparticles, which are luminescent and/or electroactive and/or suitable for MRI (magnetic resonance imaging and/or PET (positron emission tomography) applications, comprise a micelle, which has a hydrophilic shell and an hydrophobic central portion, and a polysilicate core; the micelle comprises a plurality of molecules of a functionalized surfactant having the following structure: M1-Hydro1-Lipo-Hydro2-M2 wherein Lipo indicates a hydrophobic chain; Hydro1 ed Hydro2 indicate, each, a respective hydrophilic chain; M1 ed M2 represent respective recognition functionalities.

Abstract: Luminescent and/or electroactive nanoparticles suitable for MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging) and/or PET (Positron Emission Tomography) are prepared by mixing luminescent or electroactive compounds and ethyl oxide/propyl oxide block-copolymers in an organic solvent, which is thereafter evaporated in order to obtain a residue; and by hydrolyzing-condensating tetraalkoxysilanes in an aqueous solution in the presence of the residue; the obtained nanoparticles show no or a negligible release of the luminescent or electroactive compounds and are useful for bio-analytic and bio-medic applications.