Hierarchical luminescent core@shell nanocrystals based on rare earth fluorides for intracellular temperature sensing and imaging

• Grant number: 24/00198-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• Start date: May 01, 2024
• End date: April 30, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Physical Sciences and Mathematics - Chemistry - Inorganic Chemistry
• Principal Investigator: Fernando Aparecido Sigoli
• Grantee: Rafael Vieira Perrella
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade Estadual de Campinas (UNICAMP). Campinas , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 21/08111-2 - Development of rare earth based light converters: luminescent markers, optical sensors, and amplifiers, AP.TEM

Abstract

Comprehensive data collection is vital for understanding complex pathophysiological processes, enabling accurate diagnoses and therapeutic innovations. The most comprehensive challenge is to design systems capable of monitoring multiple subcellular variations with high spatial resolution and high sensitivity. In this context, multifunctional luminescent nanoparticles emerge as promising candidates for mapping processes on a micro or nanometer scale. In this project, we will explore different ways of obtaining images and intracellular thermal sensing using liver cells from the Danio rerio fish (Zebrafish) as an in vitro model. This model was chosen due to its key role in biomedical, toxicological and environmental studies. To this end, hierarchical core@shell nanoparticles based on rare earth fluoride (NaTRF4) will be designed to provide multiple emissions in the visible and near-infrared regions under excitation at 808 nm, a wavelength adapted to biological demands. The toxicity of the nanoparticles will be investigated in detail to ensure a low impact on cellular metabolism. Next, advanced fluorescence microscopy techniques will be employed to image and monitor thermal fluctuations. Emissions of Er(III), Tm(III) and Nd(III) ions in the blue, green, red and near-infrared regions will provide a broad set of signals that will allow thermometric and spatial correlations to be carried out in this environment. The implementation of this integrated unprecedented approach will advance knowledge about the potential application of nanostructures for mapping vital cellular parameters, such as highly localized temperature fluctuations.