Multifunctional Eu-doped NaGd(MoO₄)₂ nanoparticles functionalized with poly(l-lysine) for optical and MRI imaging

A method for the synthesis of non-aggregated and highly uniform Eu³⁺ doped NaGd(MoO₄)₂ nanoparticles is reported for the first time. The obtained particles present tetragonal structure, ellipsoidal shape and their size can be varied by adjusting the experimental synthesis parameters. These nanoparticles, which were coated with citrate anions and functionalised with PLL, have also been developed in order to improve their colloidal stability in physiological medium (2-(N-morpholino)ethanesulfonic acid, MES). A study of the luminescent dynamics of the samples as a function of the Eu doping level has been conducted in order to find the optimum nanophosphors, whose magnetic relaxivity and cell viability have also been evaluated for the first time for this system, in order to assess their suitability as multifunctional probes for optical (in vitro) and magnetic bioimaging applications.