Synthesis and properties of luminescent nanoparticles for biomedical applications

Luminescent nanoparticles are currently attracting wide research interest in Nanobiomedicine due to their applications, ranging from optical biolabels for imaging of tissues or intracellular structures to sensors to detect biological molecules, and as tracking devices. This project is focused on the design of new, cheaper, and environmentally friendly synthesis methods of uniform luminescent nanoparticles, such as rare earth doped fluorides, phosphates, molybdates, and vanadates. It also evaluates their biomedical applications, with especial attention to their sensing properties and their ability to detect tumour cells. This scientific work includes the characterization of the resulting materials, the optimization of their optical and magnetic properties, and the development of different functionalization processes. The final step of this research project deals with the study of the interaction of the functionalised nanoparticles with cells of different nature, and includes cytotoxicity studies, with special attention to the role played by the morphology and chemistry of the particles.