DNA based materials doped with praseodymium (III) hydroxide nanoparticles

• Pr (III) hydroxide nanoparticles were prepared in water-in-oil microemulsion.
• New materials DNA–CTMA-Pr(OH)3 with enhanced fluorescence properties were obtained.
• A chemical reaction between DNA–CTMA and Pr(OH)3 nanoparticles was spectrally proved.
• Thin films with appropriate structures for NLO measurements were obtained.

Lanthanide ions have attracted intense research interest for their luminescence properties, which make them interesting for applications such as bioactive probes for magnetic resonance and luminescence. We present here our study related to the interaction between DNA–CTMA (hexadecyltrimethylammonium chloride) and praseodymium. The new materials synthesized were investigated from photophysical properties and morphological point of view.