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Stability, dissolution, and cytotoxicity of NaYF4-upconversion nanoparticles with different coatings
Verónica Bastos1, Párástu Oskoei1, Elina Andresen2
1Department of Biology and CESAM, University of Aveiro, 3810-193, Aveiro, Portugal.
Scientific Reports
|March 9, 2022
Summary
Surface modifications like EDTMP and PMAO ligands, or silica coatings, enhance the biocompatibility of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) by reducing fluoride ion release and cytotoxicity for biomedical applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) possess unique photophysical properties valuable for biomedical applications.
- Understanding UCNP transformations and toxicity under physiological conditions is crucial for their safe use.
- NaYF4:Yb,Er UCNPs are commonly used but require surface modification for improved biocompatibility.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the impact of surface modifications on the stability and cytotoxicity of NaYF4:Yb,Er UCNPs.
- To assess fluoride ion release and human keratinocyte toxicity in response to different surface ligands and silica coatings.
- To correlate surface chemistry with UCNP dissolution behavior and overall biocompatibility.
Main Methods:
- Modification of NaYF4:Yb,Er UCNPs with citrate, alendronate (AA), ethylendiamine tetra(methylene phosphonate) (EDTMP), and poly(maleic anhydride-alt-1-octadecene) (PMAO) ligands.
- Application of silica coatings of varying thicknesses to UCNPs.
- Measurement of fluoride ion release in aqueous and cell culture media.
- Assessment of UCNP cytotoxicity on human keratinocytes, alongside evaluations of ligands, sodium fluoride, and lanthanide ions.
Main Results:
- EDTMP-UCNPs and PMAO-UCNPs exhibited good biocompatibility, correlating with low fluoride ion release.
- UCNPs coated with sufficiently thick silica shells showed inhibited dissolution and reduced cytotoxicity.
- Surface modification significantly influences the stability, ion release, and cytotoxic profile of UCNPs.
Conclusions:
- Surface chemistry plays a critical role in determining the stability, dissolution, and cytotoxicity of UCNPs.
- EDTMP and PMAO ligands, as well as adequate silica coatings, enhance UCNP biocompatibility for biomedical applications.
- These findings are essential for the future development and safe implementation of UCNPs in life sciences and bioimaging.
