Upconversion luminescent hollow Er3+,Yb3+ co-doped Y2SiO5 spheres for biophotonics: In vitro cytotoxicity and cellular sub-locality evaluation in glioblastoma cells

Author(s)

dos Santos, Luiz Fernando ; Gomes, Luiz Fernando Tomazini ; Lima, Karmel de Oliveira ; Dalossio, Vinicius Paulino ; Calori, Italo Rodrigo ; Borges, Hiago Salge ; Piva, Henrique Luis ; Tedesco, Antonio Claudio ; Goldner, Philippe ; Goncalves, Rogeria Rocha

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: MATERIALS TODAY COMMUNICATIONS; v. 42, p. 11-pg., 2025-01-01.

Abstract

Nanostructures that can perform upconversion have been used in several research fields including bioimaging, energy conversion, sensors, and catalysis. In this study, we present the synthesis and comprehensive characterization of Er3+, Yb3+-co-doped Y2O3, and Y2SiO5 nanoparticles designed for upconversion applications in the biomedical field. The synthesized nanoparticles were morphologically, structurally, and spectroscopically characterized to investigate their potential for bioimaging and in vitro assays in glioblastoma cells. We evaluated Y2SiO5 crystallization by varying the SiO2 layer thickness on the surface of the Y(OH)CO3 cores and observed the formation of dispersed hollow spheres using transmission electron microscopy. The X-ray diffraction patterns confirmed the highly crystalline nature of the nanoparticles, showing both cubic Y2O3 and monoclinic X1- Y2SiO5 crystalline patterns. The vibrational spectroscopy results further supported the structural analysis, revealing specific vibrational modes related to tetrahedral SiO4 stretching in the X1-Y2SiO5 nanoparticles. Photoluminescence studies demonstrated intense green emissions at 525-545 nm and red emission at 650 nm under excitation with a continuous-wave laser at 980 nm. The upconversion processes were analyzed and explained. In vitro studies with the high-grade glioblastoma cell lines U87MG and KNS42 showed promising results with minimal cytotoxic effects, and the subcellular localization of the nanoparticles in the cytoplasm was verified by luminescence, indicating their potential for glioblastoma multiforme diagnosis and phototherapeutic applications in nanomedicine. This work highlights the significant promise of these multifunctional nanoparticles for the advancement of biophotonics and development of safer and more efficient therapeutic approaches in nanomedicine. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 20/04009-6 - Development of a novel bioink for 3D printing scaffolds for regeneration of cartilage tissues
• Grantee: Henrique Luis Piva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 20/04157-5 - Multifunctional Plataform based on luminescent rare earth fluoride and oxide for Theranostics
• Grantee: Luiz Fernando dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 21/08111-2 - Development of rare earth based light converters: luminescent markers, optical sensors, and amplifiers
• Grantee: Hermi Felinto de Brito
• Support Opportunities: Research Projects - Thematic Grants
• FAPESP's process: 21/11803-3 - Design and production of bone vascular scaffolds
• Grantee: Henrique Luis Piva
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate (Direct)
• FAPESP's process: 23/03092-5 - Muntifunctional platform based on luminescent rare earth fluoride, oxide and silicates for Photonics and Theranostic Applications
• Grantee: Luiz Fernando dos Santos
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships abroad - Research Internship - Doctorate
• FAPESP's process: 18/18213-4 - Synthesis of luminescent multifunctional nanomaterials based on fluorides and oxides doped with rare earths for Teranostic applications
• Grantee: Karmel de Oliveira Lima
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral
• FAPESP's process: 20/05319-9 - Multifunctional plataforms based on lanthanide doped nanostructured luminescent materials for potential photonic and theranostic applications
• Grantee: Rogéria Rocha Gonçalves
• Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants