Abstract: A general, reproducible, and simple synthetic method that employs readily available chemicals permits control of the size, shape, and size distribution of metal oxide nanocrystals. The synthesis entails reacting a metal fatty acid salt, the corresponding fatty acid, and a hydrocarbon solvent, with the reaction product being pyrolyzed to the metal oxide. Nearly monodisperse oxide nanocrystals of Fe3O4, Cr2O3, MnO, Co3O4, NiO, ZnO, SnO2, and In2O3, in a large size range (3-50 nm), are described. Size and shape control of the nanocrystals is achieved by varying the reactivity and concentration of the precursors.

Abstract: The invention provides a process for the preparation of a surface-functionalized nanoparticle comprising: (a) reacting a nanoparticle with a functionalized silane and a base in a substantially non-aqueous solvent to obtain a partially conjugated silanated nanoparticle, wherein the functionalized silane and the base are present in relative amounts such that said functionalized silane undergoes substantially only a single hydrolysis reaction; (b) reacting the partially conjugated silanated nanoparticle formed in step (a) with a base in a solvent in which the partially conjugated silanated nanoparticle is substantially insoluble and in which the base is substantially soluble. The invention also provides a surface-functionalized nanoparticle prepared therefrom and a bioconjugate comprising said a surface-functionalized nanoparticle.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for determination of an analyte. The invention provides various methods involving exposure of a luminescent material to an analyte wherein, upon interaction with the analyte, a change in luminescence may be observed as a function of the duration of exposure to electromagnetic radiation, thereby determining the analyte. Some embodiments of the invention include the use of highly emissive semiconductor nanocrystals.

Abstract: Nanoparticle compositions of noble metals, and methods of making them, are described. The nanoparticle compositions are made by reacting a salt or complex of a noble metal, such as Au, Ag, Cu or Pt, with a weak ligand, and a reducing agent, in a single liquid phase. The noble metal is typically provided as a halide or carboxylate. The ligand is preferably a fatty acid or aliphatic amine. The reducing agent is preferably a borohydride reagent, hydrazine, or a mixture thereof. Nanocrystals in the size range of 1 nm to 20 nm are produced, and can be made in substantially monodisperse form.

Abstract: A general, reproducible, and simple synthetic method that employs readily available chemicals permits control of the size, shape, and size distribution of metal oxide nanocrystals. The synthesis entails reacting a metal fatty acid salt, the corresponding fatty acid, and a hydrocarbon solvent, with the reaction product being pyrolyzed to the metal oxide. Nearly monodisperse oxide nanocrystals of Fe3O4, Cr2O3, MnO, Co3O4, NiO, ZnO, SnO2, and In2O3, in a large size range (3-50 nm), are described. Size and shape control of the nanocrystals is achieved by varying the reactivity and concentration of the precursors.