Eu/Tb codoped spindle-shaped fluorinated hydroxyapatite nanoparticles for dual-color cell imaging

Area of Science:

• Nanomaterials Science
• Biomedical Imaging
• Inorganic Chemistry

Background:

• Lanthanide doped fluorinated hydroxyapatite (FAp) nanoparticles are promising for cell imaging.
• Existing nanomaterials require excitation wavelengths not compatible with standard confocal laser scanning microscopes (CLSM).

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop Eu/Tb codoped FAp nanoparticles excitable by a 488 nm laser for dual-color imaging.
• To evaluate the cytocompatibility and imaging capabilities of these nanoparticles in MC3T3-E1 cells.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal synthesis of spindle-shaped Eu/Tb codoped FAp nanoparticles.
• Characterization of optical properties and excitation/emission spectra.
• In vitro cytocompatibility testing and cellular uptake studies in MC3T3-E1 cells.

Main Results:

• Eu/Tb codoped FAp nanoparticles exhibit balanced dual-color (green and red) emission upon 488 nm excitation.
• Nanoparticles demonstrate excellent cytocompatibility up to 800 μg ml⁻¹.
• Successful dual-color imaging of cytoplasm in MC3T3-E1 cells, with fluorescence retained for at least 3 days.

Conclusions:

• Eu/Tb codoped FAp nanoparticles provide a novel solution for dual-color cell imaging using a single, standard excitation wavelength.
• These biocompatible nanomaterials offer significant potential for advanced cell and tissue imaging applications.