On the Development of Colloidal Nanoparticles towards Multifunctional Structures and their Possible Use for Biological Applications

In this Review, we describe the synthesis of high‐quality colloidal nanoparticles in organic solvents, the mechanisms by which they can be transferred into aqueous solution, and some of their applications in biology. In particular, we will place emphasis on the creation of multifunctional nanoparticles or nanoparticle assemblies. The nanomaterials of the future will be designed with the aim of performimg specific functions, as dictated by their synthetic manufacture. This Review examines one particular type of material, colloidal nanoparticles, whose potential in a number of medical and biological applications is already beginning to be realized (the image shows MDA‐MB‐43s and MCF‐7 cells labeled with green and red fluorescent silica‐coated CdSe/ZnS nanocrystals, respectively).