Optical and magnetic properties of conjugate structures of PbSe quantum dots and gamma-Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticles.

An investigation of the optical and magnetic properties of a unique hydrogen-linked conjugate nanostructure, comprised of superparamagnetic gamma-Fe(2)O(3) nanoparticles (NPs) and near-infrared PbSe nanocrystal quantum dot (NQD) chromophores, is reported. The results show retention of the NQDs' emission quantum efficiency and radiative lifetime, and only a small red shift of its band energy, upon conjugation to the dielectric surroundings of gamma-Fe(2)O(3) NPs. The study also shows the sustainability of the superparamagnetism of the NPs after conjugation, with only a slight decrease of the ferromagnetic-superparamagnetic transition temperature with respect to that of the individual NPs. Thus, the conjugate nanostructure can be considered as a useful medical platform when PbSe NQDs act as fluorescent tags, while the gamma-Fe(2)O(3) NPs are used as a vehicle driven by an external magnetic field for targeted delivery of tags or drugs.