Presentation: 2025 ND EPSCoR Annual conference
October 21, 2025, NDSU Memorial Union, Fargo, North Dakota
Hydrothermal Synthesis of Boron and Sulfur-doped Phophorin Silicon Nanoparticles for Bioimaging in Near Infrared Range
Nuwan
Subasinghe
Doctoral Student
University of North Dakota
Co-authors: Julia Xiaojun Zhao, Professor, University of North Dakota, Guodong Du, Professor, University of North Dakota, Colin K. Combs, Professor, University of North Dakota, Diane C. Darland, Professor, University of North Dakota, Chiranthi Mahadurage, Mrs, University of North Dakota, Blessing Okosun, Mrs, University of North Dakota
Session
Poster number: 131
Legacy Lounge
Fluorescence nanocomposites have attracted considerable attention due to their strong fluorescence intensity and excellent photostability. Since autofluorescence from biological samples in the UV–visible region often causes interference, near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence provides a more reliable window for bioimaging. In this work, Tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP)-based hybrid nanoparticles incorporating phenylboronic acid (PBA) and 3-mercaptopropyltrimethoxysilane (MPTMS) were synthesized via a hydrothermal self-assembly approach. Under hydrothermal conditions, TCPP self-assembled into porphyrin nanostructures, while PBA functionalization introduced boron moieties. MPTMS contributed a silica-based protective network and surface thiol groups, improving nanoparticle robustness, dispersibility, and reactivity. Characterization using dynamic light scattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), UV–vis absorption, and fluorescence spectroscopy confirmed the successful formation of nanoparticles with an average diameter of 19.7 ± 4.7 nm. The nanoparticles exhibited strong NIR fluorescence with two emission peaks at 647.3 nm and 703.2 nm. Zeta potential measurements across pH 1–11 indicated excellent colloidal stability (> +30 mV or 90%), confirming their biocompatibility. These results highlight TCPP–PBA–MPTMS hybrid nanoparticles as promising NIR probes for bioimaging applications.