Fluorescent/luminescent (QDs, rare earth, afterglow)
nanoparticles and magnetic (iron oxide, Gd-doped)
nanoparticles are functional inorganic nanomaterials
that hold great potential for in vitro and in vivo disease
detections and treatments. Over the past years,
significant progress has been made in the development
of robust synthesis protocols which allow precise
control over composition, size, shape, surface properties
and uniformity of colloidal inorganic nanoparticles. Bio-application of these colloidal nanoparticles, such as quantitation of pathogens in human bodily fluids, has been widely studied. However, challenges like how to lower the detection limit remain a critical hurdle.