Rare earth luminescent nano reporters and probes

Abstract

Rare earth (RE) ions have been widely applied in visual devices, radiation converters, spectroscopic probes or sensors (chemical or biological) due to their luminescent properties The applicability of RE ions are amplified when they have nanomaterial design because of the several advantages of nano-dimension. In biology and medicine areas have been exponentially increasing the use of such nanomaterials as luminescent reporters in immunoassays for the detection of different species. The search for new reporters and new detection systems with high optical sensitivity, high selectivity, no self-fluorescence, living cell compatibility and oxygenate and aqueous environmental stability has been stimulating the interest of RE phosphors in such applications. Up-converter phosphors, i.e., IR excitation and visible emission, have been displaying countless advantages as reporters in biological system studies. Phosphors’ morphological characteristics are stated according to the monitoring type and must keep enough quantum efficiency for detectable signal generation. The reporter’s conjugation degree with suitable biological systems, such as avidin-biotin one, must also be considered for their effective application. Therefore, the aim of this project is the consolidation and establishment of this new research line involving luminescent nanomaterials based in RE ions as luminescent nanoreporters and probes at the Department of Physical, Chemistry and Biology, FCT-UNESP. This project will be developed in co-operation with Profs. Drs. Marcos Augusto de Lima Nobre, Marcos Fernando de Souza Teixeira, Maria de Lourdes C. Custódio da Silva, Silvania Lanfredi which belongs to the same institution as well as the important external collaborations of Rare Earth and Bio-Inorganic Group (FFCLRP-USP), Luminescent Materials Group (IQ-UNESP) and FLUOR Group (RENAMI). For the establishment of this research line several subprojects are been sketched out and deal with the preparation of high-efficient nano up-converters that will be functionalised and tested in the conjugation with avidin-biotin system in biological assay. Biocompatible supramolecular systems will be also investigated for the nanoparticles stabilization in order to substitute for avidin-biotin one, increasing selectivity and decreasing cost. RE ions also will be applied as structural probes in technological systems of interest as well as in the design of chemical sensors. (AU)