Synthesis, Functionalization and Properties of Uniform Europium-doped Sodium Lanthanum Tungstate and Molybdate (NaLa(XO$_4$)$_2$, X= Mo,W) probes for Luminescent and X-ray Computed Tomography Bioimaging

TL;DR

This paper presents a simple synthesis method for Eu3+-doped sodium lanthanum tungstate and molybdate nanophosphors, evaluates their luminescent and X-ray contrast properties, and assesses their biocompatibility for bioimaging applications.

Contribution

It introduces a one-pot synthesis technique for uniform nanophosphors and compares their imaging efficiency and biocompatibility for biomedical use.

Findings

Optimal Eu3+ doping level identified for maximum luminescence.

Nanophosphors show promising X-ray CT contrast enhancement.

Biocompatibility tests indicate suitability for bioimaging applications.

Abstract

A one-pot simple procedure for the synthesis of uniform, ellipsoidal Eu3+-doped sodium lanthanum tungstate and molybdate (NaLa(XO4)2, X = W, Mo) nanophosphors, functionalized with carboxylate groups, is described. The method is based on a homogeneous precipitation process at 120 C from appropriate Na+, Ln3+ and tungstate or molybdate precursors dissolved in ethylene glycol/water mixtures containing polyacrylic acid. A comparative study of the luminescent properties of both luminescent materials as a function of the Eu3+ doping level has been performed to find the optimum nanophosphor, whose efficiency as X-ray computed tomography contrast agent is also evaluated and compared with that of a commercial probe. Finally, the cell viability and colloidal stability in physiological pH medium of the optimum samples have also been studied to assess their suitability for biomedical applications.