Investigation of Nanoparticles for Use as Bioactive X-ray Fluorescence Microscopy Probes Using Click

The development of tunable, X-ray fluorescence microscopy (XFM) instrumentation at synchrotron facilities has opened the door to a wide range of new experiments with several applications in materials science, catalysis, and biochemistry. Here, we discuss the synthesis and application of biocompatible cobalt (II) oxide (CoO) nanoparticles for use as a probe for XFM. This process will be completed using a copper-free click conjugation to attach an antibody to the nanoparticle. Two “generations” of nanoparticles have been synthesized for this application. A nitro dopamine polyethylene glycol coated NP (gen. 1) and an interdigitated maleic anhydride copolymer that is then with amino-PEG coating (gen. 2). Both methods produce a water-soluble stable solution of NPs with azide functionality. Once synthesized the NPs will be conjugated antibodies, exposed to cells, and imaged using synchrotron X-ray radiation for fluorescent microscopy.