SiO₂ Coated Up-Conversion Nanomaterial Doped with Ag Nanoparticles for Micro-CT Imaging

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Upconversion luminescent materials (UCNPs) are crucial for bioimaging.
• Enhancing luminescence intensity and reducing cytotoxicity of UCNPs remains a challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel Ag-NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ @ SiO2 nanocomposite (Ag-UCNPs@SiO2).
• To improve the luminescence intensity and biocompatibility of UCNPs for bioimaging applications.

Main Methods:

• Hydrothermal synthesis of Yb3+/Er3+-codoped NaYF4 nanoparticles.
• Doping with silver (Ag) nanoparticles and coating with silica (SiO2).
• Characterization using SEM, TEM, fluorescence spectroscopy, first-principles calculations, CCK-8 assay, and micro-CT.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of Ag-UCNPs@SiO2 nanocomposites.
• Enhanced luminescence intensity due to Ag nanoparticle doping.
• Confirmed low cytotoxicity and effective bioimaging capabilities of the Ag-UCNPs@SiO2.

Conclusions:

• The synthesized Ag-UCNPs@SiO2 nanocomposite exhibits superior luminescence and biocompatibility.
• This novel material holds significant potential for advanced bioimaging and theranostic applications.