Synthesis and characterization of NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+@silica-N=folic acid nanocomplex for bioimaginable detecting MCF-7 breast cancer cells

• Published in: Journal of rare earths 2019-11, Vol.37 (11), p.1183-1187
• Main Authors: Phuong, Ha Thi, Huong, Tran Thu, Vinh, Le Thi, Khuyen, Hoang Thi, Thao, Do Thi, Huong, Nguyen Thanh, Lien, Pham Thi, Minh, Le Quoc
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Bioimaging; Cancer cell; Nanophosphors; NaYF4:Yb3+, Er3; Rare earths; Upconversion luminescence
• ISSN: 1002-0721; 2509-4963
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jre.2019.01.005

Upconversion nanophosphors are new promising nanomaterials to be used as biolabels for detection and imaging of cancer cells. These nanophosphors absorb long-wavelength excitation radiation in the infrared or near infrared region and emit shorter wavelength, higher energy radiation from ultraviolet to infrared. In this paper, we studied the hydrothermal method and optical properties of the functionalized NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ for biomedical application. After synthesis, these NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanophosphors were functionalized with aminosilanes and folic acid. Folic acid binds to the folate receptor on the surface of MCF-7 breast cancer cells and this binding promotes internalization of the nanophosphors via endocytosis. The sizes of the functionalized NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+@silica-N=FA (folic acid) nanophosphors can be controlled with length of the rod about 300–800 nm and diameter of the rod about 100–200 nm. Phase structure of NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ is in hexagonal crystal system. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the functionalized NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+@silica–N=FA nanophosphors were measured. These nanophosphors emit in red color with the strongest band at 650 nm under 980 nm excitation. This result can provide NaYF4:Er3+,Yb3+@silica-N=FA complex for developing fluorescence label and image tool in cancer biology and medicine. XRD pattern of the nanophosphors NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ at 190 °C, 24 h. [Display omitted]