Ambient large-scale template-mediated synthesis of high-aspect ratio single-crystalline, chemically doped rare-earth phosphate nanowires for bioimaging

Luminescence nanothermometry using a trivalent lanthanide co-doped perovskite

This study investigates in detail the laser-mediated upconversion emission and temperature-sensing capability of (Ca_0.99-a Yb_0.01Er _a )TiO₃. Samples were prepared at different concentrations to observe the effect of erbium on upconversion while increasing its concentration and keeping all the other parameters constant. Doping is a widespread technological process which involves incorporating an element called a dopant in a lower ratio to the host lattice to derive hybrid materials with desired properties. The (Ca_0.99-a Yb_0.01Er _a )TiO₃ perovskite nanoparticles were synthesized via a sol-gel technique. The frequency upconversion was performed using a 980 nm laser diode excitation source. X-ray diffractometry (XRD) confirmed that the synthesized samples are crystalline in nature and have an orthorhombic structure. The temperature-sensing ability was examined using the fluorescence intensity ratio (FIR) algorithm of two emission bands (²H_11/2 → ⁴I_15/2 and ⁴S_3/2 → ⁴I_15/2) of the Er³⁺ ion. Temperature-dependent upconversion luminescence is observed over a broad temperature range of 298-623 K. The maximum sensor sensitivity obtained is 6.71 × 10^-3 K^-1 at 110°.

Crystallization, Luminescence and Cytocompatibility of Hexagonal Calcium Doped Terbium Phosphate Hydrate Nanoparticles

Luminescent lanthanide-containing biocompatible nanosystems represent promising candidates as nanoplatforms for bioimaging applications. Herein, citrate-functionalized calcium-doped terbium phosphate hydrate nanophosphors of the rhabdophane type were prepared at different synthesis times and different Ca2+/Tb3+ ratios by a bioinspired crystallization method consisting of thermal decomplexing of Ca2+/Tb3+/citrate/phosphate/carbonate solutions. Nanoparticles were characterized by XRD, TEM, SEM, HR-TEM, FTIR, Raman, Thermogravimetry, inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, thermoanalysis, dynamic light scattering, electrophoretic mobility, and fluorescence spectroscopy. They displayed ill-defined isometric morphologies with sizes ≤50 nm, hydration number n ~ 0.9, tailored Ca2+ content (0.42-8.11 wt%), and long luminescent lifetimes (800-2600 µs). Their relative luminescence intensities in solid state are neither affected by Ca2+, citrate content, nor by maturation time for Ca2+ doping concentration in solution below 0.07 M Ca2+. Only at this doping concentration does the maturation time strongly affect this property, decreasing it. In aqueous suspensions, neither pH nor ionic strength nor temperature affect their luminescence properties. All the nanoparticles displayed high cytocompatibility on two human carcinoma cell lines and cell viability correlated positively with the amount of doping Ca2+. Thus, these nanocrystals represent promising new luminescent nanoprobes for potential biomedical applications and, if coupled with targeting and therapeutic moieties, they could be effective tools for theranostics.

Crystallization in Confinement

Many crystallization processes of great importance, including frost heave, biomineralization, the synthesis of nanomaterials, and scale formation, occur in small volumes rather than bulk solution. Here, the influence of confinement on crystallization processes is described, drawing together information from fields as diverse as bioinspired mineralization, templating, pharmaceuticals, colloidal crystallization, and geochemistry. Experiments are principally conducted within confining systems that offer well-defined environments, varying from droplets in microfluidic devices, to cylindrical pores in filtration membranes, to nanoporous glasses and carbon nanotubes. Dramatic effects are observed, including a stabilization of metastable polymorphs, a depression of freezing points, and the formation of crystals with preferred orientations, modified morphologies, and even structures not seen in bulk. Confinement is also shown to influence crystallization processes over length scales ranging from the atomic to hundreds of micrometers, and to originate from a wide range of mechanisms. The development of an enhanced understanding of the influence of confinement on crystal nucleation and growth will not only provide superior insight into crystallization processes in many real-world environments, but will also enable this phenomenon to be used to control crystallization in applications including nanomaterial synthesis, heavy metal remediation, and the prevention of weathering.

Scheelite like NaTb(WO4)2 nanoparticles: Green fluorescence and in vitro cell imaging applications

This study highlights the investigation of the green fluorescence in NaTb(WO₄)₂ materials (NaTbW Bulk and NaTbW Nano) synthesized via template free hydrothermal method as a function of particle size and morphology. Herein, we demonstrated the biocompatibility and intracellular green fluorescence of NaTbW Nano samples using HeLa cells for cell imaging applications. Powder X-ray diffraction studies showed that the as synthesized NaTbW Bulk and NaTbW Nano crystallize in the Scheelite like tetragonal crystal system with the I4₁/a space group. The reaction pH and solvent is observed to play a critical role in determining particle size, shape and morphology of these luminescent materials. Furthermore, size dependent optical properties were systematically studied by diffuse reflectance, steady state photoluminescence; time resolved fluorescence lifetime and quantum yield measurements. Both the materials have shown bright green fluorescence upon UV excitation as a function of particle size. Remarkable high quantum yield of NaTbW Bulk indicated its greater luminescence efficiency and the closer CIE coordinates to the commercial green illuminant suggested their potential use in solid state display systems. On the other hand the observed biocompatibility of NaTbW Nano particles towards mammalian cancer HeLa cells, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli and the intracellular green fluorescence rightly proved its functionality as active bio-probes. Thus, our work summarize the potential use of these Scheelite like NaTb(WO₄)₂ material for solid state display and bio-imaging applications.

Luminescence Studies and Judd-Ofelt Analysis on SiO2@LaPO4:Eu@SiO2 Submicro-spheres with Different Size of Intermediate Shells

The novel submicro-spheres SiO₂@LaPO₄:Eu@SiO₂ with core-shell-shell structures were prepared by connecting the SiO₂ submicro-spheres and the rare earth ions through an organosilane HOOCC₆H₄N(CONH(CH₂)₃Si(OCH₂CH₃)₃ (MABA-Si). The as-prepared products were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and infrared spectroscopy (IR). It is found that the intermediate shell of the submicro-spheres was composed by LaPO₄:Eu nanoparticles with the size of about 4, 5-7, or 15-34 nm. A possible formation mechanism for the SiO₂@LaPO₄:Eu@SiO₂ submicro-spheres has been proposed. The dependence of the photoluminescence intensity on the size of the LaPO₄:Eu nanoparticles has been investigated. The intensity ratios of electrical dipole transition ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₂ to magnetic dipole transition ⁵D₀ → ⁷F₁ of Eu³⁺ ions were increased with decreasing the size of LaPO₄:Eu nanoparticles. According to the Judd-Ofelt (J-O) theory, when the size of LaPO₄:Eu nanoparticles was about 4, 5-7 and 15-34 nm, the calculated J-O parameter Ω₂ (optical transition intensity parameter) was 2.30 × 10^-20, 1.80 × 10^-20 and 1.20 × 10^-20, respectively. The increase of Ω₂ indicates that the symmetry of Eu³⁺ in the LaPO₄ lattice was gradually reduced. The photoluminescence intensity of the SiO₂@LaPO₄:Eu@SiO₂ submicro-spheres was unquenched in aqueous solution even after 15 days.

Bioinspired crystallization, sensitized luminescence and cytocompatibility of citrate-functionalized Ca-substituted europium phosphate monohydrate nanophosphors

Biocompatible nanosystems exhibiting long-lifetime (∼millisecond) luminescence features are particularly relevant in the field of bioimaging. In this study, citrate-functionalized calcium-doped europium phosphates nanophosphors of the rhabdophane type were prepared at different synthesis times by a bioinspired crystallization route, consisting in thermal decomplexing of Ca²⁺/Eu³⁺ /citrate/phosphate/carbonate solutions. The general formula of this material is Ca_αEu_1-α(PO₄)_1-α(HPO₄)_α·nH₂O, with α ranging from 0 to 0.58 and n ∼ 1. A thorough characterization of the nanoparticles has been carried out by XRD (including data processing with Topas 6.0), HR-TEM, TEM, FTIR, TG/DTA, ICP, dynamic light scattering (DLS), electrophoretic mobility, and fluorescence spectroscopy. Based on these results a crystallization mechanism involving the filling of cationic sites with Ca²⁺ions associated to a concomitant adjustment of the PO₄/HPO₄ ratio was proposed. Upon calcium doping, the aspect ratio of the nanoparticles as well as of the crystalline domains decreased and the relative luminescence intensity (R.L.I.) could be modulated. Neither the pH nor the ionic strength, nor the temperature (from 25 to 37 °C) affected significantly the R.L.I. of particles after resuspension in water, leading to rather steady luminescence features usable in a large domain of conditions. This new class of luminescent compounds has been proved to be fully cytocompatible relative to GTL-16 human carcinoma cells and showed an improved cytocompatibility as the Ca²⁺ content increased when contacted with the more sensitive m17. ASC murine mesenchymal stem cells. These biocompatible nanoparticles thus appear as promising new tailorable tools for biomedical applications as luminescent nanoprobes.

Synthesis of calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite nanowires and nanotubes performed by template-assisted electrodeposition

Hydroxyapatite (HA) has received much interest for being used as bone substitutes because of its similarity with bioapatites. In form of nanowires or nanotubes, HA would offer more advantages such as better biological and mechanical properties than conventional particles (spherical). To date, no study had allowed the isolated nanowires production with simultaneously well-controlled morphology and size, narrow size distribution and high aspect ratio (length on diameter ratio). So, it is impossible to determine exactly the real impact of particles' size and aspect ratio on healing responses of bone substitutes and characteristics of these ones; their biological and mechanical effects can never be reproducible. By the template-assisted pulsed electrodeposition method, we have for the first time succeeded to obtain such calcium-deficient hydroxyapatite (CDHA) particles in aqueous baths with hydrogen peroxide by both applying pulsed current density and pulsed potential in cathodic electrodeposition. After determining the best conditions for CDHA synthesis on gold substrate in thin films by X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), we have transferred those conditions to the nanowires and nanotubes synthesis with high aspect ratio going until 71 and 25 respectively. Polycrystalline CDHA nanowires and nanotubes were characterized by Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). At the same time, this study enabled to understand the mechanism of nanopores filling in gold covered polycarbonate membrane: here a preferential nucleation on gold in membranes with 100 and 200 nm nanopores diameters forming nanowires whereas a preferential and randomly nucleation on nanopores walls in membranes with 400 nm nanopores diameter forming nanotubes.

Enhanced Red Emission in Er3+-Sensitized NaLuF4 Upconversion Crystals via Energy Trapping

Luminescence efficiency of trivalent lanthanide-doped upconversion (UC) materials is significantly limited by luminescence concentration quenching. In this work, red UC emission is dramatically enhanced in Er³⁺-sensitized NaLuF₄ UC crystals through energy trapping under multiple excitation wavelengths. Cross-relaxation quenching and the energy migration to internal lattice defects are simultaneously suppressed by confining the excitation energy in the Er³⁺ activator after introducing the Tm³⁺ or Ho³⁺ energy trapping center. The enhanced red UC emission (Er³⁺: 660 nm) mainly comes from the effective excitation energy confinement by Tm³⁺ and Ho³⁺ trapping centers through an easy energy transfer between Er³⁺ and Tm³⁺/Ho³⁺: ⁴I_11/2 (Er³⁺) → ³H₅ (Tm³⁺) → ⁴I_13/2 (Er³⁺) and ⁴I_11/2 (Er³⁺) → ⁵I₆ (Ho³⁺) → ⁴I_13/2 (Er³⁺). It is found that the confining efficiency of excitation energy in Er³⁺-sensitized NaLuF₄ crystals is higher than that in Yb³⁺/Er³⁺ cosensitized NaLuF₄ crystals, and the luminescence efficiency of Er³⁺-sensitized NaLuF₄ crystals is much higher than that of Er³⁺-based host sensitization UC crystals (NaErF₄). Moreover, Er³⁺-sensitized UC particles can be efficiently excited by three different wavelengths (808, 980, and 1532 nm), indicating huge advantages for applications in bioimaging, anticounterfeiting, and solar cells.

Pyrophosphate ion-triggered competitive displacement of ssDNA from a metal-organic framework and its application in fluorescent sensing of alkaline phosphatase

Nanomaterial/aptamer assembly has been extensively explored in the detection of various targets, but some limitations still exist in its practical applications, especially time consumption and low-efficient detachment of the aptamer from the nanomaterial surface. In this work, we demonstrated the ligand role of pyrophosphate ion (PPi) in the competitive displacement of ssDNA from the nanoscaffold surface. For this purpose, a fluorescein-labeled ssDNA (F-DNA) and a mixed valence state cerium (Ce³⁺/Ce⁴⁺)-based MOF (MVCM) were employed as the signal response unit and nanoscaffold, respectively. Benefiting from the existence of Ce⁴⁺, the MVCM exhibits an ultrahigh quenching efficiency (more than 90%) to F-DNA fluorescence, which is 3-fold higher than that of the MOF with Ce³⁺ only. However, it was found that PPi can effectively suppress the quenching effect of the MVCM by competitive coordination with the MVCM to displace F-DNA. Different from the conventional target-induced conformational change of aptamers, the PPi-triggered displacement assay is independent of the ssDNA sequence and can be rapidly completed in just 2 min. The displacement assay is also highly sensitive, even at a PPi concentration as low as 55 nM. In contrast to PPi, however, the phosphate ions and other anions cannot displace F-DNA from the MVCM surface to switch on the F-DNA fluorescence. Inspired by this fact, the PPi-triggered displacement assay was further applied in the detection of alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The detection limit toward ALP was obtained at 0.18 mU mL^-1. Moreover, the accurate determination of ALP concentration in serum samples indicates the applicability of this sensing system in detecting real samples.

Two-Dimensional-Layered Perovskite ALaTa2O7:Bi3+ (A = K and Na) Phosphors with Versatile Structures and Tunable Photoluminescence

Topological chemical reaction methods are indispensable for fabricating new materials or optimizing their functional properties, which is particularly important for two-dimensional (2D)-layered compounds with versatile structures. Herein, we demonstrate a low-temperature (∼350 °C) ion exchange approach to prefabricate metastable phosphors ALa_{1- x}Ta₂O₇: xBi³⁺ (A = K and Na) with RbLa_{1- x}Ta₂O₇: xBi³⁺ serving as precursors. The as-prepared ALa_0.98Ta₂O₇:0.02 Bi³⁺ (A = Rb, K, and Na) share the same Dion-Jacobson type 2D-layered perovskite phase, and photoluminescence analyses show that ALa_0.98Ta₂O₇:0.02 Bi³⁺ (A = Rb, K, and Na) phosphors exhibit broad emission bands peaking at 540, 550, and 510 nm, respectively, which are attributed to the nonradiative transition of Bi³⁺ from excited state ³P₁ or ³P₀ to ground state ¹S₀. The various Bi³⁺ local environments at the crystallographic sites enable the different distributions of emission and excitation spectra, and the photoluminescence tuning of ALa_0.98Ta₂O₇:0.02 Bi³⁺ (A = Rb, K, and Na) phosphors are realized through alkali metal ion exchange. Notably, the combination of superior trivalent bismuth emission and low-temperature ion exchange synthesis leads to a novel yellow-emitting K(La_0.98Bi_0.02)Ta₂O₇ phosphor which is successfully applied in a white LED device based on a commercially available 365 nm LED chip. Our realizable cases of this low-temperature ion exchange strategy could promote exploration into metastable phosphors with intriguing properties.

Combining complexing agent and solvothermal reaction for the morphology controlled synthesis of (Y,Eu)PO4crystals with size-dependent photoluminescence

An organic additive assisted solvothermal reaction has led to the phase/morphology controlled synthesis of YPO₄crystals, whose size-dependent luminescence was also investigated.

L. A, Arunkumar P, Ahmed W, Ryu S, Cha SW, Babu KS. Structure dependent luminescence, peroxidase mimetic and hydrogen peroxide sensing of samarium doped cerium phosphate nanorods

Samarium doped cerium phosphate nanorods exhibit enhanced peroxidase mimetic activity and hydrogen peroxide sensing.

Synthesis and luminescent properties of uniform monodisperse LuPO4:Eu3+/Tb3+ hollow microspheres

Uniform monodisperse LuPO4:Eu3+/Tb3+ hollow microspheres with diameters of about 2.4 µm have been successfully synthesized by the combination of a facile homogeneous precipitation approach, an ion-exchange process and a calcination process. The possible formation mechanism for the hollow microspheres was presented. Furthermore, the luminescence properties revealed that the LuPO4:Eu3+ and LuPO4:Tb3+ phosphors show strong orange-red and green emissions under ultraviolet excitation, respectively, which endows this material with potential application in many fields, such as light display systems and optoelectronic devices. Since the synthetic process can be carried out at mild conditions, it should be straightforward to scale up the entire process for large-scale production of the LuPO4 hollow microspheres. Furthermore, this general and simple method may be of much significance in the synthesis of many other inorganic materials.

Facile synthesis and emission enhancement in NaLuF4 upconversion nano/micro-crystals via Y3+ doping

A series of Y³⁺-absent/doped NaLuF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺ nano/micro-crystals were prepared via a hydrothermal process with the assistance of citric acid. Cubic nanospheres, hexagonal microdisks, and hexagonal microprisms can be achieved by simply adjusting the reaction temperature. The effect of Y³⁺ doping on the morphology and upconversion (UC) emission of the as-prepared samples were systematically investigated. Compared to their Y³⁺-free counterpart, the integrated spectral intensities in the range of 445-495 nm from α-, β-, and α/β-mixed NaLuF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺ crystals with 40 mol% Y³⁺ doping are increased by 9.7, 4.4, and 24.3 times, respectively; red UC luminescence intensities in the range of 630-725 nm are enhanced by 4.6, 2.4, and 24.9 times, respectively. It is proposed that the increased UC emission intensity is mainly ascribed to the deformation of crystal lattice, due to the electron cloud distortion in host lattice after Y³⁺ doping. This paper provides a facile route to achieve nano/micro-structures with intense UC luminescence, which may have potential applications in optoelectronic devices.

Transcription of Nanofibrous Cerium Phosphate Using a pH-Sensitive Lipodipeptide Hydrogel Template

A novel and simple transcription strategy has been designed for the template-synthesis of CePO₄·xH₂O nanofibers having an improved nanofibrous morphology using a pH-sensitive nanofibrous hydrogel (glycine-alanine lipodipeptide) as structure-directing scaffold. The phosphorylated hydrogel was employed as a template to direct the mineralization of high aspect ratio nanofibrous cerium phosphate, which in-situ formed by diffusion of aqueous CeCl₃ and subsequent drying (60 °C) and annealing treatments (250, 600 and 900 °C). Dried xerogels and annealed CePO₄ powders were characterized by conventional thermal and thermogravimetric analysis (DTA/TG), and Wide-Angle X-ray powder diffraction (WAXD) and X-ray powder diffraction (XRD) techniques. A molecular packing model for the formation of the fibrous xerogel template was proposed, in accordance with results from Fourier-Transformed Infrarred (FTIR) and WAXD measurements. The morphology, crystalline structure and composition of CePO₄ nanofibers were characterized by electron microscopy techniques (Field-Emission Scanning Electron Microscopy (FE-SEM), Transmission Electron Microscopy/High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM/HRTEM), and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy working in High Angle Annular Dark-Field (STEM-HAADF)) with associated X-ray energy-dispersive detector (EDS) and Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy-Electron Energy Loss (STEM-EELS) spectroscopies. Noteworthy, this templating approach successfully led to the formation of CePO₄·H₂O nanofibrous bundles of rather co-aligned and elongated nanofibers (10⁻20 nm thick and up to ca. 1 μm long). The formed nanofibers consisted of hexagonal (P6₂22) CePO₄ nanocrystals (at 60 and 250 °C), with a better-grown and more homogeneous fibrous morphology with respect to a reference CePO₄ prepared under similar (non-templated) conditions, and transformed into nanofibrous monoclinic monazite (P21/n) around 600 °C. The nanofibrous morphology was highly preserved after annealing at 900 °C under N₂, although collapsed under air conditions. The nanofibrous CePO₄ (as-prepared hexagonal and 900 °C-annealed monoclinic) exhibited an enhanced UV photo-luminescent emission with respect to non-fibrous homologues.

Facile microwave synthesis of ScPO4·2H2O flowerlike superstructures: morphology control, electronic structure and multicolor tunable luminescent properties

ScP0₄·2H₂O flowerlike superstructures constructed by well-aligned nanorods were prepared and multicolor tunable emission including white light emission was realized by adjusting the relative doping concentration.

Controlled synthesis of EuPO4 nano/microstructures and core–shell SiO2@EuPO4 nanostructures with improved photoluminescence

EuPO₄ nanoparticles coated on SiO₂ submicro-spheres not only improve the photoluminescence properties but also change the symmetry of the Eu³⁺ ions.

Morphology evolution and pure red upconversion mechanism of β-NaLuF4 crystals

A series of β-NaLuF₄ crystals were synthesized via a hydrothermal method. Hexagonal phase microdisks, microprisms, and microtubes were achieved by simply changing the amount of citric acid in the initial reaction solution. Pure red upconversion (UC) luminescence can be observed in β-NaLuF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺, Er³⁺ and Li⁺ doped β-NaLuF₄:20% Yb³⁺, 1% Tm³⁺, 20% Er³⁺. Based on the rate equations, we report the theoretical model about the pure red UC mechanism in Yb³⁺/Tm³⁺/Er³⁺ doped system. It is proposed that the pure red UC luminescence is mainly ascribed to the energy transfer UC from Tm³⁺:³F₄ → ³H₆ to Er³⁺:⁴I_11/2 → ⁴F_9/2 and the cross-relaxation (CR) effect [Er³⁺:⁴S_3/2 + ⁴I_15/2 → ⁴I_9/2 + ⁴I_13/2] rather than the long-accepted mechanism [CR process among Er³⁺:⁴F_7/2 + ⁴I_11/2 → ⁴F_9/2 + ⁴F_9/2]. In addition, compared to the Li⁺-free counterpart, the pure red UC luminescence in β-NaLuF₄:20% Yb³⁺, 1% Tm³⁺, 20% Er³⁺ with 15 mol% Li⁺ doping is enhanced by 13.7 times. This study provides a general and effective approach to obtain intense pure red UC luminescence, which can be applied to other synthetic strategies.

Absence of Cytotoxicity towards Microglia of Iron Oxide (α-Fe2O3) Nanorhombohedra

Understanding the nature of interactions between nanomaterials, such as commercially ubiquitous hematite (α-Fe2O3) Nanorhombohedra (N-Rhomb) and biological systems is of critical importance for gaining insight into the practical applicability of nanomaterials. Microglia represent the first line of defense in the central nervous system (CNS) during severe injury or disease such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease as illustrative examples. Hence, to analyze the potential cytotoxic effect of nanorhombohedra exposure in the presence of microglia, we have synthesized Rhodamine B (RhB) labeled-α-Fe2O3 N-Rhomb, with lengths of 47 ± 10 nm and widths of 35 ± 8 nm. Internalization of RhB labeled-α-Fe2O3 N-Rhomb by microglia in the mouse brain was observed, and a dose-dependent increase in the cellular iron content as probed by cellular fluorescence was detected in cultured microglia after nanoparticle exposure. The cells maintained clear functional viability, exhibiting little to no cytotoxic effects after 24 and 48 hours at acceptable, physiological concentrations. Importantly, the nanoparticle exposure did not induce microglial cells to produce either tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) or interleukin 1-beta (IL1β), two pro-inflammatory cytokines, nor did exposure induce the production of nitrites and reactive oxygen species (ROS), which are common indicators for the onset of inflammation. Finally, we propose that under the conditions of our experiments, i.e. in the presence of RhB labeled-α-Fe2O3 N-Rhomb maintaining concentrations of up to 100 µg/mL after 48 hours of incubation, the in vitro and in vivo internalization of RhB labeled-α-Fe2O3 N-Rhomb are likely to be clathrin-dependent, which represents a conventional mechanistic uptake route for most cells. Given the crucial role that microglia play in many neurological disorders, understanding the potential cytotoxic effects of these nanostructures is of fundamental importance if they are to be used in a therapeutic setting.

A label-free electrochemiluminescence immunosensor based on EuPO4 nanowire for the ultrasensitive detection of Prostate specific antigen

EuPO4 nanowire, which exhibited strong and stable cathodic electrochemiluminescence (ECL) activity, was used for the first time to fabricate an immunosensor for the detection of prostate specific antigen (PSA). EuPO4 has some inherent excellent properties such as long luminescence lifetime, narrow emission band, high quantum yield and low toxicity. Based on these properties, a novel label-free ECL immunosensor was developed using EuPO4 as a sensing matrix. Chitosan solution was used to disperse EuPO4 nanowires and the amino groups on chitosan enabled the covalent attachment of capture antibodies. After the modification of the electrode surface with EuPO4 nanowires, anti-PSA was then immobilized on them, forming a label-free immunosensing interface. The specific binding of PSA on the electrode inhibited the ECL reaction of EuPO4 nanowires with the coreactant due to the steric hindrance effect (Deng et al., 2013). Under the optimum conditions, a good linear relationship between ECL intensity and the logarithm of PSA concentration was obtained in the range of 0.0005-80 ng/mL with a detection limit of 177.33 fg/mL. The proposed ECL immunosensor showed good stability, acceptable selectivity and reproducibility.

Hydrothermal synthesis of core-shell structured TbPO4:Ce(3+)@TbPO4:Gd(3+) nanocomposites for magnetic resonance and optical imaging

Multi-modal imaging based on multifunctional nanoparticles provides deep, non-invasive and highly sensitive imaging and is a promising alternative approach that can improve the sensitivity of early cancer diagnosis. In this study, two nanoparticles, TbPO4:Ce(3+) and TbPO4:Ce(3+)@TbPO4:Gd(3+), were synthesized via the citric-acid-mediated hydrothermal route, and then systematically characterized by means of microstructure, photoluminescence, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), biocompatibility, and bioimaging. The results of energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and electron energy loss spectroscopy (EELS) line scans indicated that TbPO4:Gd(3+) nanoshells about 5 nm in thickness were successfully coated on the TbPO4:Ce(3+) nanocores. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transforms of high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images indicated that the core-shell nanocomposites had a single crystal structure. The photoluminescence of the TbPO4:Ce(3+)@TbPO4:Gd(3+) and TbPO4:Ce(3+) nanoparticles was greatly intensified by 200 times and 100 times, respectively, compared with pure TbPO4 nanoparticles. In vitro cytotoxicity tests based on the methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay demonstrated that the monodispersed nanoparticles of TbPO4:Ce(3+)@TbPO4:Gd(3+) had low toxicity. The intracellular luminescence of the nanoparticles after being internalized by HeLa cells was also observed using confocal fluorescence microscopes. MRI showed that the nanoshells of Gd-doped TbPO4 possessed a longitudinal relaxivity of 4.067 s(-1) mM(-1), which is comparable to that of the commercial MRI contrast Gd-TDPA. As a result, the core-shell structured TbPO4:Ce(3+)@TbPO4:Gd(3+) nanoparticles can potentially serve as multifunctional nanoprobes for both optical biolabels and MRI contrast agents.

Probing highly luminescent europium-doped lanthanum orthophosphate nanorods for strategic applications

Herein we have established a strategy for the synthesis of highly luminescent and biocompatible europium-doped lanthanum orthophosphate (La0.85PO4Eu0.15(3+)) nanorods. The structure and morphogenesis of these nanorods have been probed by XRD, SEM, and TEM/HRTEM techniques. The XRD result confirms that the as-synthesized nanorods form in a monazite phase with a monoclinic crystal structure. Furthermore, the surface morphology shows that the synthesized nanorods have an average diameter of ∼90 nm and length of ∼2 μm. The HRTEM images show clear lattice fringes that support the presence of better crystal quality and enhanced photoluminescence hypersensitive red emission at 610 nm ((5)D0-(7)F2) upon 394 nm wavelength excitation. Furthermore, time-resolved spectroscopy and an MTT assay of these luminescent nanorods demonstrate a photoluminescent decay time of milliseconds with nontoxic behavior. Hence, these obtained results suggest that the as-synthesized luminescent nanorods could be potentially used in invisible security ink and high-contrast bioimaging applications.

Toxicological assessment of PEG functionalized f-block rare earth phosphate nanorods

Toxicological assessment of synthesized and PEG functionalized lanthanum phosphate nanorods.

Preparation of Cerium Orthophosphate Nanosphere by Coprecipitation Route and Its Structural, Thermal, Optical, and Electrical Characterization

Cerium orthophosphate (CePO4) nanoparticles were synthesized via wet chemical coprecipitation technique using cerium nitrate hexahydrate for Ce3+ ion and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate for PO43- ion source. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis suggests that the material belongs to monoclinic crystal system with crystallite size of 49.3 nm. Scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) reveal the surface morphology of the prepared nanoparticles as nanospheres having grain size in the range of 30–50 nm. The energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDAX) gives elemental composition present in the grown nanomaterial. Thermogravimetric analysis suggests that the structural phase transition is above 800°C. The optical properties include UV-VIS-NIR absorption and the photoluminescence spectrum shows the absorption and emission peaks in the ultraviolet region. The dielectric constant (ε/ ) and ac conductivity properties were investigated with regard to change in temperature (40 to 500°C) and frequency (5 kHz to 1 MHz). The dielectric measurement indicates that the transition is diffused and the activation energy values decrease suggesting that the conduction mechanism is due to hopping of the charge carriers from one site to another.

Rapid, microwave-assisted synthesis of Gd2O3 and Eu:Gd2O3 nanocrystals: characterization, magnetic, optical and biological studies

Ultra-small crystals of undoped and Eu-doped gadolinium oxide (Gd₂O₃) were synthesised by a simple, rapid microwave-assisted route, using benzyl alcohol as the reaction solvent. XRD, XPS and TEM analysis reveal that the as-prepared powder material consists of nearly monodisperse Gd₂O₃ nanocrystals with an average diameter of 5.2 nm. The nanocrystals show good magnetic behaviour and exhibit a larger reduction in relaxation time of water protons than the standard Gd-DTPA complex currently used in MRI imaging. Cytotoxicity studies (both concentration- and time-dependent) of the Gd₂O₃ nanocrystals show no adverse effect on cell viability, evidencing their high biological compatibility. Finally, Eu:Gd₂O₃ nanocrystals were prepared by a similar route and the red luminescence of Eu³⁺ activator ions was used to study the cell permeability of the nanocrystals. Red fluorescence from Eu³⁺ ions observed by fluorescence microscopy shows that the nanocrystals (Gd₂O₃ and Eu:Gd₂O₃) can permeate not only the cell membrane but can also enter the cell nucleus, rendering them candidate materials not only for MRI imaging but also for drug delivery when tagged or functionalized with specific drug molecules.

Ligand-functionalization of BPEI-coated YVO4:Bi3+,Eu3+ nanophosphors for tumor-cell-targeted imaging applications

In this study, surface-functionalized, branched polyethylenimine (BPEI)-modified YVO4:Bi(3+),Eu(3+) nanocrystals (NCs) were successfully synthesized by a simple, rapid, solvent-free hydrothermal method. The BPEI-coated YVO4:Bi(3+),Eu(3+) NCs with high crystallinity show broad-band excitation in the λ=250 to 400 nm near-ultraviolet (NUV) region and exhibit a sharp-line emission band centered at λ=619 nm under excitation at λ=350 nm. The surface amino groups contributed by the capping agent, BPEI, not only improve the dispersibility and water/buffer stability of the BPEI-coated YVO4:Bi(3+),Eu(3+) NCs, but also provide a capability for specifically targeted biomolecule conjugation. Folic acid (FA) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were further attached to the BPEI-coated YVO4:Bi(3+),Eu(3+) NCs and exhibited effective positioning of fluorescent NCs toward the targeted folate receptor overexpressed in HeLa cells or EGFR overexpressed in A431 cells with low cytotoxicity. These results demonstrate that the ligand-functionalized, BPEI-coated YVO4:Bi(3+),Eu(3+) NCs show great potential as a new-generation biological luminescent bioprobe for bioimaging applications. Moreover, the unique luminescence properties of BPEI-coated YVO4:Bi(3+),Eu(3+) NCs show potential to combine with a UVA photosensitizing drug to produce both detective and therapeutic effects for human skin cancer therapy.

Ambient synthesis of high-quality ruthenium nanowires and the morphology-dependent electrocatalytic performance of platinum-decorated ruthenium nanowires and nanoparticles in the methanol oxidation reaction

We report for the first time (a) the synthesis of elemental ruthenium nanowires (Ru NWs), (b) a method for modifying their surfaces with platinum (Pt), and (c) the morphology-dependent methanol oxidation reaction (MOR) performance of high-quality Pt-modified Ru NW electrocatalysts. The synthesis of our elemental Ru NWs has been accomplished utilizing a template-based method under ambient conditions. As-prepared Ru NWs are crystalline and elementally pure, maintain electrochemical properties analogous to elemental Ru, and can be generated with average diameters ranging from 44 to 280 nm. We rationally examine the morphology-dependent performance of the Ru NWs by comparison with commercial Ru nanoparticle (NP)/carbon (C) systems after decorating the surfaces of these structures with Pt. We have demonstrated that the deposition of Pt onto the Ru NWs (Pt~Ru NWs) results in a unique hierarchical structure, wherein the deposited Pt exists as discrete clusters on the surface. By contrast, we find that the Pt-decorated commercial Ru NP/C (Pt~Ru NP/C) results in the formation of an alloy-type NP. The Pt~Ru NPs (0.61 A/mg of Pt) possess nearly 2-fold higher Pt mass activity than analogous Pt~Ru NW electrocatalysts (0.36 A/mg of Pt). On the basis of a long-term durability test, it is apparent that both catalysts undergo significant declines in performance, potentially resulting from aggregation and ripening in the case of Pt~Ru NP/C and the effects of catalyst poisoning in the Pt~Ru NWs. At the conclusion of the test, both catalysts maintain comparable performance, despite a slightly enhanced performance in Pt~Ru NP/C. In addition, the measured mass-normalized MOR activity of the Pt~Ru NWs (0.36 A/mg of Pt) was significantly enhanced as compared with supported elemental Pt (Pt NP/C, 0.09 A/mg of Pt) and alloy-type PtRu (PtRu NP/C, 0.24 A/mg of Pt) NPs, both serving as commercial standards.

Simple and sensitive detection method for Cobalt(II) in water using CePO4:Tb3+ nanocrystals as fluorescent probes

A simple and sensitive method for detecting cobalt by synchronous fluorescence spectrometry technique with a novel fluorescence probe CePO4:Tb(3+) has been developed. CePO4:Tb(3+) nanocrystals were synthesized in aqueous solutions and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, electron diffraction pattern spectroscopy and spectrofluorometry. When Δλ=210 nm, the selected synchronous fluorescence is produced at 284 nm. CePO4:Tb(3+) nanocrystals were negatively charged under weakly basic conditions (pH=8.2), which can interact with Co(2+) via electrostatic interaction. Moreover, there is the spectrum overlap between the emission wavelength of CePO4:Tb(3+) NCs and the absorbance of Co(2+). So the energy transfer would occur, leading to the quenching phenomenon. The quenching equation of the system was agreed with the Stern-Volmer equation. The linear range and detection limit of Co(2+) were 5-1.8 μM and 3.5 nM, respectively. The method is successfully applied to the quantification of Co(2+) in water samples.

Multifunctional Au@mSiO2/rhodamine B isothiocyanate nanocomposites: cell imaging, photocontrolled drug release, and photothermal therapy for cancer cells

The synthesis of Au@mesoporous SiO(2)/rhodamine B isothiocyanate (Au@mSiO(2)/RBITC) composite nanoparticles (NPs) is presented and their unique biofunctional properties are studied. The structure and morphology of the NPs are characterized by X-ray powder diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. These NPs can not only be functionalized for fluorescence imaging, but also possess well-defined mesopore structures for drug loading and strong infrared surface plasmon absorption for light-controlled drug release and photothermal therapy for cancer cells. In the biological experiments, one 808 nm laser is coupled to a confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM) system to monitor the photothermal therapy, drug release, and cell position and viability in real time by using the multichannel function of CLSM for the first time. Such novel nanomaterials offer a new chemotherapeutic route for cancer treatment by combining cell imaging and hyperthermia in a synergistic way.