ИСТИНА

Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) obtained by mechanical grinding of microporous silicon have been used for visualiza-tion of living cancer cells in vitro. It was found that SiNPs could penetrate into the cells without any cytotoxic ef-fect. The cell cytoplasm was observed to be almost filled by SiNPs, which exhibited bright photoluminescence cen-tered at 1.6 eV. SiNPs suspended in water could also act as photosensitizers of singlet oxygen generation, which could be used in the photodynamic therapy of cancer, and sonosensitizers for the ultrasound therapy. These properties are discussed in view of possible applications of SiNPs in theranostics (therapy and diagnostics).