Anomalous luminescence properties and cytotoxicity assessment of Sr3(PO4)2 co-doped with Eu2+/3+ ions for luminescence temperature sensing

Strontium phosphate (Sr-3(PO4)(2)) powders co-doped with Eu2+ and Eu3+ optically active ions were obtained by a modified Pechini's method and heat-treated at 900 degrees, 1000 degrees and 1100 degrees C in the air atmosphere. Structural and morphological properties of the obtained materials were investigated by X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), Rietveld refinement method, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) technique, and infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). Emission excitation, emission, and temperature dependent emission spectra, and luminescence decay time under 394.5 and 318 nm wavelength excitation were recorded and studied in detail. Moreover, the decay times of the blue component were measured depending on the ambient temperature. Furthermore, the D-5(0) -> F-7(2) transition is the most intense transition. Additionally, the emission of Eu2+ ions was detected. The mechanism of Eu3+ ion reduction related to the heat treatment procedure was proposed and described in the Kroger-Vink notation. Cytotoxicity assay was performed on the osteoblast cell line using a murine model to evaluate the cytocompatibility of the obtained materials. Additionally, the hemocompatibility properties were evaluated using the hemoglobin release assay and the normal morphology of the erythrocyte membrane was visualized by confocal microscopy after 24 hours of incubation with the obtained materials.

Automated summary

Eu2+ and Eu3+ co-doped strontium phosphate powders were synthesized by a modified Pechini method, and their structural, morphological, and luminescent properties were characterized. It was found that the reduction mechanism of Eu3+ ions is related to the heat treatment process. Additionally, the biocompatibility of the materials was evaluated through cytotoxicity and hemocompatibility tests.