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Core-Shell-Shell NaYbF4:Tm@CaF2@NaDyF4 Nanocomposites for Upconversion/T2-Weighted MRI/Computed Tomography Lymphatic
Ying Li1, Yuyang Gu2, Wei Yuan2
1The Key Laboratory of Resource Chemistry of Ministry of Education, Shanghai Municipal Education Committee Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging Probes and Sensors, Shanghai Normal University , Shanghai 200234, P.R. China.
Researchers developed a novel lanthanide-based core-multishell nanocomposite for advanced bioimaging. This multifunctional probe enhances upconversion luminescence (UCL) and provides excellent X-ray computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast for trimodal lymphatic imaging.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Bioimaging
- Materials Science
Background:
- Existing bioimaging techniques have limitations.
- Multifunctional probes are needed for advanced imaging.
- Lanthanide-based nanomaterials offer unique optical and magnetic properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and synthesize a novel core-multishell nanocomposite for trimodal bioimaging.
- To evaluate the imaging performance of the nanocomposite in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), X-ray computed tomography (CT), and upconversion luminescence (UCL) imaging.
- To investigate the role of a CaF2 middle layer in enhancing luminescence.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a NaYbF4:Tm@CaF2@NaDyF4 core-shell-shell nanocomposite.
- Surface modification with citrate acid for hydrophilicity.
- Characterization of the nanocomposite's upconversion luminescence, CT value, and MRI relaxivity.
- Application of the nanocomposite as a contrast agent for trimodal lymphatic bioimaging.
Main Results:
- The synthesized nanocomposite exhibited intense upconversion luminescence.
- It displayed a high X-ray computed tomography value (approx. 490 Hounsfield units).
- The nanocomposite showed excellent r2 relaxivity (41.1 mM(-1) s(-1)) for MRI.
- The CaF2 middle layer effectively reduced cross-relaxation and surface quenching, enhancing Tm(3+) emission.
Conclusions:
- The citrate-modified NaYbF4:Tm@CaF2@NaDyF4 nanocomposite is a promising multifunctional contrast agent for trimodal bioimaging.
- The core-multishell nanostructure design is a viable strategy for developing advanced nanoprobe platforms.
- This approach can lead to novel multifunctional nanoprobes for diverse bioimaging applications.
