Magnetic-fluorescent nanohybrids of carbon nanotubes coated with Eu, Gd co-doped LaF3 as a multimodal imaging probe

J Colloid Interface Sci. 2012 Feb 1;367(1):61-6. doi: 10.1016/j.jcis.2011.08.084. Epub 2011 Sep 24.

Abstract

Multifunctional magnetic-fluorescent nanohybrids were successfully fabricated by a facile layer-by-layer (LBL) self-assembly of in situ generated Eu, Gd co-doped LaF(3) nanocrystals (LaF(3):Eu:Gd) on the surface of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs). Photoluminescence (PL) quenching occurred when LaF(3):Eu:Gd nanoparticles were directly coated on the surface of MWNTs. By growth of a SiO(2) shell spacer between MWNTs and LaF(3):Eu:Gd nanocrystals, we circumvented the PL quenching and achieved the magnetic-fluorescent MWNTs. Moreover, the nanohybrids showed powerful T(1) and T(2)-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal in water and could be used as MRI contrast agents. As a result, the nanohybrids can be expected to act as a promising multimodal MRI/optical imaging probe.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Contrast Media / chemistry*
  • Europium / chemistry*
  • Fluorescent Dyes / chemistry
  • Fluorides / chemistry*
  • Gadolinium / chemistry*
  • Lanthanum / chemistry*
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging / methods
  • Magnets / chemistry
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Nanoparticles / ultrastructure
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / ultrastructure

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Fluorescent Dyes
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • lanthanum trifluoride
  • Europium
  • Lanthanum
  • Gadolinium
  • Fluorides