Multifunctional Silica Nanoparticles Modified via Silylated‐Decaborate Precursors

Abstract

A new class of multifunctional silica nanoparticles carrying boron clusters (10‐vertex closo‐decaborate) and incorporating luminescent centers (fluorescein) has been developed as potential probes/carriers for potential application in boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT). These silica nanoparticles were charged in situ with silylated‐fluorescein fluorophores via the Stöber method and their surface was further functionalized with decaborate‐triethoxysilane precursors. The resulting decaborate dye‐doped silica nanoparticles were characterized by TEM, solid state NMR, DLS, nitrogen sorption, elemental analysis, and fluorescence spectroscopy.