# Bridging the Effects of Noncontact Temperature Sensing and Cellular Biofunctionality in Nanosized Dysprosium(III)‐Doped Fluorapatite

**Authors:** Sara Targonska, Natalia Charczuk, Adam Kabanski, Klaudia Marcinkowska, Joanna Sulecka‐Zadka, Daria Szymanowska, Agnieszka Śmieszek, Rafal J. Wiglusz

PMC · DOI: 10.1002/smll.202507537 · Small (Weinheim an Der Bergstrasse, Germany) · 2025-12-30

## TL;DR

This paper explores how dysprosium-doped fluorapatite nanomaterials can sense temperature and support cell activity, making them promising for biomedical applications.

## Contribution

The study introduces a multifunctional nanomaterial that combines temperature sensing and bioactivity for regenerative medicine.

## Key findings

- Dy³⁺-doped fluorapatite shows stable temperature sensitivity through photoluminescence.
- The material exhibits antimicrobial activity against six microbial species.
- It supports progenitor cell activity and shows biocompatibility in in vitro assays.

## Abstract

Thermal imaging plays a pivotal role in distinguishing distinct cellular states, assessing dynamic cellular activity in real‐time health monitoring, and advancing the design of biofunctional materials for tissue engineering applications. The investigated photoluminescence characteristics of Dy3⁺ ion‐doped fluorapatite demonstrate that this material offers stable temperature sensitivity. Our findings support the strategic design of next‐generation nanomaterials for regenerative medicine and tissue engineering by elucidating key cellular interactions. Furthermore, our study has begun to address the impact of Dy3⁺ ion‐doped nanomaterials on progenitor cell activity, providing valuable insights into their potential applications. A comprehensive description of photoluminescence characterization, including the LIR and SR parameters, is provided to highlight its high thermal sensing potential. The antimicrobial activity of Dy3⁺ ion‐doped fluorapatite is confirmed using the well‐diffusion method against six commonly encountered microbial species. In vitro assays on hBMSCs included, among others, the determination of apoptosis profiles and metabolic potential through cytometric assays and molecular analyses (RT‐qPCR and Western blot). These findings underscore the potential of Dy3⁺ ion‐doped fluorapatite as a biocompatible material for biomedical applications while emphasizing the importance of further understanding its mechanism of action.

Multifunctional dysprosium(III) ion–doped fluorapatite nanomaterials combine bioactivity with photoluminescent temperature sensing. The biological studies reveal interactions with progenitor cells, highlighting potential applications in regenerative medicine and tissue engineering, while temperature‐dependent emission of Dy³⁺ ions enables reliable optical temperature sensors.

## Linked entities

- **Chemicals:** fluorapatite (PubChem CID 10207414)

## Full-text entities

- **Chemicals:** fluorapatite (MESH:C025105), Dy3+ (-)

## Full text

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## Figures

14 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12910425/full.md

## References

56 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12910425/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12910425