One-pot Synthesis of FITC-Doped Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Cellular Imaging

Abstract

This study aimed to develop, evaluate and analyse the potential of mesoporous silica nanoparticles doped with fluorescein isothiocyanate (MSNFITC) as an agent for bioimaging. The synthesis of MSNFITC nanoparticles was achieved by using a CTAB formaldehyde method. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Atomic force microscopy (AFM) were employed to conduct a detailed characterization of the size and morphology of MSNFITC. The efficacy of dye doping was validated via fluorescence and UV absorbance spectroscopy. The produced MSNFITC had a uniform size distribution (65.5 ± 0.825nm) and a spherical shape. Spectroscopic investigations showed distinct peaks at 495 nm (absorbance) and 520 nm (fluorescence emission), indicative of FITC. Biocompatibility experiments on HeLa cells, even exposed to high concentrations (100 μg/mL) of MSNFITC, showed minimal cytotoxicity effects. Furthermore, the effective uptake of nanoparticles by HeLa cells was demonstrated through a strong green fluorescence signal that is distinctive for FITC. Given their advantageous features and biocompatibility with living organisms, the MSNFITC nanoparticles can potentially be highly effective agents for studying cells through bioimaging.