Emission enhancement through Nd-Yb energy transfer in multifunctional NaGdF nanocrystals.

The growing need for biomedical contrast agents has led to the current development of multi-functional materials such as lanthanide-based nanoparticles (NPs). The optical and magnetic properties these nanoparticles (NPs) possess are important to enhance current biomedical imaging techniques. To increase the optical emissions of the nanoparticles, neodymium (Nd) and ytterbium (Yb) were introduced into a magnetic host of NaGdF.

Effect of surface coating of KYb2F7:Tm(3+) on optical properties and biomedical applications.

This project aims to provide an insight on the effects of biocompatible polymers on the optical properties and the nanoparticle-cell interaction of KYb2F7:Tm(3+) nanocrystals that exhibit strong near infrared (NIR) fluorescence. KYb2F7:Tm(3+) nanocrystals were synthesized with a diameter of 20-30 nm and surface modified with poly(ethylene glycol), Pluronic(®) F-127, and poly(N-vinylpyrrolidone), due to the associated advantages. Some of these include biocompatibility and biodistribution in the instance of agglomeration and hydrophobicity as well as the addition of a targeting agent and drug loading by further functionalization.