Gadolinium Oxide Thulium Silica Core Shell Nanoparticles (Gd2O3:TM3+/SiO2, 99.99%, APS: 80-100nm, Metal Salt Core)

Gadolinium Oxide Thulium Silica Core-Shell Nanoparticles

Gadolinium Oxide (Gd₂O₃), Thulium (Tm), and Silica (SiO₂) core-shell nanoparticles are composite materials that combine the luminescent properties of Thulium (Tm), the magnetic properties of Gadolinium Oxide (Gd₂O₃), and the chemical stability and biocompatibility of Silica (SiO₂). The core-shell structure typically consists of a Gd₂O₃ core, surrounded by a Tm-doped silica shell, with an overall protective SiO₂ shell layer that improves stability, dispersibility, and allows for further functionalization.

Applications

Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI):

The Gd₂O₃ core of the nanoparticles makes them useful as MRI contrast agents. Gadolinium-based nanoparticles provide strong T1-weighted contrast in MRI, enhancing the visibility of tissues or abnormalities (e.g., tumors, inflammation, or vascular systems) in MRI scans. The addition of SiO₂ and Tm improves the biocompatibility and detection sensitivity of the nanoparticles.

Optical Imaging and Upconversion Luminescence:

The Tm-doped silica shell enables the nanoparticles to emit visible light upon excitation with infrared (IR) light. This property makes the nanoparticles valuable for in vivo optical imaging, where infrared light can penetrate deeper into tissues without causing damage, and the emitted visible light can be easily detected. Upconversion luminescence also has applications in multiplexed imaging, where different wavelengths of light can be used to track various targets or biological processes simultaneously.

Cancer Diagnosis and Therapy:

Targeted Drug Delivery: Fe₃O₄/Tm/SiO₂ nanoparticles can be functionalized to deliver chemotherapeutic drugs or gene therapy agents directly to cancer cells. The SiO₂ shell can be loaded with drugs, and the Gd₂O₃ core can be used to provide MRI-based imaging for precise targeting. Furthermore, the upconversion properties of Tm can be exploited for photo-therapy, where the nanoparticles can generate heat or light under IR exposure, contributing to photothermal therapy to kill cancer cells.

Therapeutic Imaging: These nanoparticles can act as theranostic agents, combining both diagnostic imaging (MRI, optical imaging) and therapeutic capabilities (drug delivery or photothermal treatment) in one system. The ability to visualize and target cancerous cells in real-time enhances the effectiveness of the treatment.

Biosensing:

Disease Detection: Due to their luminescent and magnetic properties, Gd₂O₃/Tm/SiO₂ nanoparticles can be used for the detection of biomarkers associated with diseases such as cancer, infectious diseases, or neurological disorders. The nanoparticles can be functionalized with biomolecules that selectively bind to specific target molecules, resulting in detectable changes in luminescence or magnetic properties, which can be used for diagnostic purposes.

Multiplexed Detection: The upconversion luminescence of Tm allows for multiplexed biosensing. Different emission wavelengths can be used to detect multiple targets simultaneously in a single assay, improving the efficiency and sensitivity of diagnostics.