Light sheet microscopy and SrAl2O4 nanoparticles codoped with Eu2+/Dy3+ ions for cancer cell tagging

Light sheet optical microscopy on strontium aluminate nanoparticles (SrAl2O4 NPs)1 codoped with Eu2+ and Dy3+ was used for cancer cell tagging and tracking. The nanoparticles were synthesized by urea-assisted combustion with optimized percentage values of the 2 codoping rare-earth ions for cell viability and for lower cytotoxic effects. The optical properties of these materials showed an excitation wide range of wavelengths (lambda(exc) =254-460 nm), a broad emission band (lambda(em) =475-575 nm) with the maximum centered wavelength at 525nm and a half lifetime within the seconds regime. The feasibility to measure the nanoparticle luminescence under the selective plane illumination configuration was studied by immersing the nanoparticles in 1% Agarose. The potential applicability of the synthesized nanophosphors for cancer cell tagging was demonstrated by using in vitro experiments with human breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells. A single MCF-7 cell observed by the use of light sheet microscopy with UV excitation. The cell has been bio-labeled with FA-SrAl(2)0(4): Eu2+, Dy3+ NPs and 4,6-diamidino-2-phenylindole, dihydrochloride for nucleus identification.