Y2O3:Eu nanocrystals as biomarkers prepared by a microwave hydrothermal method

Microwave hydrothermal growth of Y2O3 crystallites results in needle-shaped aggregates of μm length. Thermal treatment has little influence on the material microstructure, but significant impact on the nanometric level. Nanoparticles doped with europium show an intense red luminescence, related to the 5D0 → 7F2 transition of Eu3+ ions. The luminescence intensity increases with the calcination temperature and is accompanied by increasing size of Y2O3:Eu crystallites. EPR studies show the absence of Eu2+ related signals in the material. Y2O3:Eu nanoparticles crystallized via a microwave hydrothermal method were employed as luminescent biomarkers in mice. The initial tests confirmed their applicability as biological markers. Persorption of the Y2O3:Eu nanoparticles after IG in the adult mouse duodenum, brain and liver is reported.