C'-Dots: Cornell Prime Dots

C' dots are ultrasmall sub-10nm PEGylated fluorescent silica nanoparticles whose surface can be functionalized with cancer targeting agents, e.g. c(RGDyC), for theranostics. Such nanoparticles have already received FDA approval as an investigational new drug (IND) and multiple human clinical trials with C' dots on cancer patients are currently ongoing at Memorial Sloan Kettering cancer center. C' dots are synthesized using a newly developed aqueous synthesis system in which the particle formation kinetics can be well tailored providing precise particle size control close to the single atomic level.

K. Ma, C. Mendoza, U. Werner-Zwanziger, J. Zwanziger, U. Wiesner, "Control of Ultrasmall Sub-10 nm Ligand-Functionalized Fluorescent Core-Shell Silica Nanoparticle Growth in Water", Chem. Mater. 27, 4119-4133 (2015).

GMC: Gyroidal Mesoporous Carbon

Gyroidal mesoporous carbon materials are derived from block copolymer (BCP) self-assembly in the presence of carbon precursors such as phenolic resols. Two types of cubic GMCs can be distinguished, the double gyroidal morphology (G^DMC, space group Q²³⁰ with Ia-3d symmetry) and the alternating or single gyroidal morphology (G^AMC, space group Q²¹⁴ with I4₁32 symmetry). Depending on BCP size and BCP to precursor ratio, the porosity, unit cell and pore size can be varied over a broad range.

J. G. Werner, T. N. Hoheisel, U. Wiesner, "Synthesis and Characterization of Gyroidal Mesoporous Carbons and Carbon Monoliths with Tunable Ultralarge Pore Size", ACS Nano 8, 731-743 (2014).

MC-MSNs: Multicompartment Mesostructured Silica Nanoparticles

Multicompartment MSNs (mc-MSNs) are a new class of mesoporous silica nanoparticle that have a cubic core and as many as four hexagonal branches growing epitaxially out of the cubic core vertices. The extent of the branch growth be controlled via a single additive in the synthesis.

T. Suteewong, H. Sai, R. Hovden, D. Muller, M. S. Bradbury, S. M. Gruner, U. Wiesner, "Multicompartment Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles with Branched Shapes: An Epitaxial Growth Mechanism" Science 340, 337-341 (2013).

mC-Dots: Mesoporous Cornell Dots

mC dots are ultrasmall sub-10nm PEGylated fluorescent mesoporous silica nanoparticles. They are the variant of C’ dots which further contain a single pore for the loading/release of molecular cargos. mC dots are synthesized using a similar protocol as C’ dots in which surfactants, e.g. CTAB, are further integrated to direct the formation of self-assembled nanostructures.

K. Ma, H. Sai, U. Wiesner, "Ultrasmall Sub-10 nm Near-Infrared Fluorescent Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles", 134 (32), 13180-13183 (2012).J. Am. Chem. Soc. 134, 13180-13183 (2012).
K. Ma, U. Werner-Zwanziger, J. Zwanziger, U. Wiesner, "Controlling Growth of Ultrasmall Sub-10 nm Fluorescent Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles", Chem. Mater. 25, 677-691 (2013).

C-Dots: Cornell Dots

Cornell Dots (C Dots) are fluorescent core-shell silica nanoparticles with covalently incorporated organic dyes in a silica core, surrounded by a pure silica shell. Compared to free dye equivalents in solution, the covalently incorporated organic dyes show brighter fluorescence and improved photostability. This way the core-shell architecture combines the stability and biocompatibility of silica with the versatility of organic dyes.

H. Ow, D. Larson, M. Srivastava, B. Baird, W. Webb, U. Wiesner. "Bright and Stable Core-Shell Fluorescent Silica Nanoparticles", Nano Lett. 5, 113-117 (2005).

CASH: Combination of Assemblies by Soft and Hard Chemistries

CASH is a method for preparation of highly crystalline, mesostructured transition metal oxides by in situ formation of a rigid carbon scaffold that enables access to high-temperature crystallization of the metal oxide without collapse of the mesostructure.

J. Lee, M. Orilall, S. Warren, M. Kamperman, F. DiSalvo, U.Wiesner, "Direct Access to Thermally Stable and Highly Crystalline Mesoporous Transition-Metal Oxides with Uniform Pores". Nat. Mater. 7, 222-228 (2008).