Yb–Gd Codoped Hydroxyapatite as a Potential Contrast Agent for Tumor-Targeted Biomedical Applications

Abstract

Recently, various nanomaterials based on hydroxyapatite (HAp) have been developed for bioimaging applications. In particular, HAp doped with rare-earth elements has attracted significant attention, owing to its enhanced bioactivity and imaging properties. In this study, the wet precipitation method was used to synthesize HAp codoped with Yb and Gd. The synthesized Yb x -Gd x -HAp nanoparticles (NPs) were characterized via various techniques to analyze the crystal phase, functional groups, thermal characteristics, and particularly, the larger surface area. The IR783 fluorescence dye and a folic acid (FA) receptor were conjugated with the synthesized Yb x -Gd x -HAp NPs to develop an effective imaging contrast agent. The developed FA/IR783/Yb-Gd-HAp nanomaterial exhibited improved contrast, sensitivity, and tumor-specific properties, as demonstrated by using the customized LUX 4.0 fluorescence imaging system. An in vitro cytotoxicity study was performed to verify the biocompatibility of the synthesized NPs using MTT assay and fluorescence staining. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) was also applied to determine the photosensitizer properties of the synthesized Yb x -Gd x -HAp NPs. Further, reactive oxygen species generation was confirmed by Prussian blue decay and a 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate study. Moreover, MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were used to evaluate the efficiency of Yb x -Gd x -HAp NP-supported PDT.

A copper-containing analog of the biomineral whitlockite: dissolution–precipitation synthesis, structural and biological properties

“…The most intense signal peaked at 964 cm −1 is ascribed to the ν 1 vibrational mode. Finally, the signal located at 920 cm −1 is attributed to HPO 4 2− , which agrees well with the results of the FTIR analysis. Overall, both spectroscopic techniques agree very well with the results reported in the literature in terms of the spectral shape and band wavenumbers.…”

“…3 This approach leads to the development of biocompatible multifunctional materials with a wider application range. 4…”

“…3 This approach leads to the development of biocompatible multifunctional materials with a wider application range. 4 One of the most promising substituting ions is Cu 2+ . Being an essential element in the human body, Cu is involved in numerous physiological functions; however, its relatively high local concentration is toxic.…”