Abstract: A conjugate is provided for cell processing, which comprises a magnetic particle and a surface modifier having specific affinity to a target cell. The particle and modifier are linked through a cleavable peptide bond. In a method of cell processing, the conjugate is attached to a target cell; the target cell attached to the conjugate is subject to magnetic processing; the peptide bond is cleaved to separate the processed target cell from the magnetic particle; the target cell separated from the magnetic particle is attached to a substrate. The magnetic particle may include an iron oxide, and the surface modifier may include a glucosamine. The particle and modifier may be linked by a linker comprising a protease recognition site and a peptide bond. The linker links the surface modifier to the particle, and cleavage of the peptide bond is catalyzed by a specific protease that recognizes the protease recognition site.

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 invention relates generally to gold nanoclusters, and in particular, fluorescent gold nanoclusters. The gold nanoclusters may be stabilized, for example, with a protein or stabilizing agent. In some cases, the gold nanoclusters may be used in methods or articles to determine the presence, absence, and/or concentration of mercuric ions in a sample.

Abstract: In a process of forming a capped crystal structure, a precursor solution is heated. The solution comprises a mixture of zinc (Zn) precursor, selenium (Se) precursor, precursor for a dopant, glutathione (GSH), and water. The dopant comprises a transition metal (M). The molar ratio of Zn:Se in the solution may be about 10:3 to about 10:5. The solution is heated for a first period sufficient to allow Zn(M)Se crystal core to form. After the first period of heating, more zinc precursor and GSH are added to the heated solution, and the solution is heated for a second period sufficient to form ZnS crystal shell on the Zn(M)Se crystal core. GSH is added in a sufficient amount to form a GSH layer around the Zn(M)Se/ZnS quantum dot.

Abstract: The present invention relates to nanocrystals and methods for making the same; in particular, the invention relates to ternary or higher alloyed nanocrystals and methods for making such structures in aqueous or water-soluble solvents. In certain embodiments of the invention, methods of preparing ternary or higher alloyed nanocrystals involve providing at least first, second, and third nanocrystal precursors (e.g., NaHSe, ZnCl2, and CdCl2) and forming nanocrystal structures in an aqueous or water-soluble solvent. In some cases, nanocrystal precursor solutions may also include a water-soluble ligand (e.g., glutathione, GSH). As such, ternary or higher alloyed nanocrystals (e.g., ZnxCd)—xSe) comprising the at least first, second, and third nanocrystal precursors may be formed, and the water-soluble ligand may coat at least a portion of the surface of the ternary or higher alloyed nanocrystal. Advantageously, methods for forming nanocrystals described herein can be performed at low temperatures (e.g.

Abstract: Quantum dots, each having a core comprising CdTe and a shell comprising GSH covering the core, are provided. The Quantum dots can be formed in a solution comprising a telluride (Te) precursor and a cadmium (Cd) precursor for forming the cores, and glutathione (GSH) for forming shells covering the cores. The cores can comprise CdTe nanocrystals grown in the solution. The growth of the nanocrystals can be limited. The quantum dots can have high fluorescence emission quantum yield such as up to about 45%, and small sizes such as from about 3.8 nm to about 6 nm.

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.