Synthesis of cubic LiNbO3 nanoparticles and their application in vitro bioimaging

Stoichiometric LiNbO3 nanoparticles with regular rhombohedral morphology and high crystallinity were synthesized through a molten salt approach. The as-synthesized cubic LiNbO3 nanoparticles as nanoprobes for long-term imaging in vitro were investigated. The as-synthesized nanoprobes exhibit unique properties of long-term observation without photobleaching, flexibility in excitation wavelength, and excellent photostability. The biocompatibility of LiNbO3 nanoprobes was determined by in vitro assay of cytotoxicity. All the tested samples presented no obvious toxicity.