Pt-Ni nanoframes functionalized with carbon dots: an emerging class of bio-nanoplatforms.

We designed a unique and novel bio-nanoplatform based on Pt-Ni nanoframes (PNnf) functionalized with carbon dots via the EDC/NHS coupling chemistry. The PNnf with open three-dimensional surfaces exhibited excellent water solubility after polyethylenimine modification. Due to low cytotoxicity and excellent biocompatibility, the bio-nanoplatforms were firstly used for MCF-7 cell imaging in vitro. More importantly, the design strategy can be readily generalized to facilitate other multi-functional bio-nanoplatforms for biological and biomedical applications.