Europium doped nanophosphors and applications in in vitro optical bioimaging

Abstract

We report the synthesis of ‘rare-earth’ doped calcium phosphate-based ‘nanophosphors’ in a methanolic medium, with surface modified with trisilanol. In order to enhance the luminescence intensity of these nanophosphors, 1, 10-phenanthroline was used as a co-dopant. The synthesized nanoparticles were characterized for various physical properties. In vitro analyses showed that the particles were taken up by cells, without any sign of cytotoxicity. Using fluorescence microscopy and cell uptake studies, we have demonstrated the enhanced luminescence intensity of nanophosphors when 1, 10- phenanthroline was used. These results highlight the potential for nanophosphors to be used in safe and efficient optical bioimaging.