Optimal Silicon-based nanomaterials for biological applications

Abstract

The key aspects of porous silicon and freestanding crystalline siliconnanoparticles for biological applications are discussed, with the followingsubjects being addressed: most simple and scalable synthesis procedures;importance of surface derivatization enhancing colloidal, chemical, photophysicalstability, and capacity for reactive oxygen species photosensitizationof the silicon nanomaterials in aqueous media, discussion of the origin ofphotoluminescence in the different SiNMs and the effect of surface derivatization;effects on the photophysical behavior of SiNMs upon the combinationwith transition metals or oxides of metals.