Triboluminescence of Lanthanide Coordination Polymers with Face‐to‐Face Arranged Substituents

Luminescence upon the grinding of solid materials (triboluminescence, TL) has long been a puzzling phenomenon in natural science and has also attracted attention because of its broad application in optics. It has been generally considered that the TL spectra exhibit similar profiles as those of photoluminescence (PL), although they occur from distinct stimuli. Herein, we describe for the first time a large spectral difference between these two physical phenomena using lanthanide^III coordination polymers with efficient TL and PL properties. They are composed of emission centers (Tb^III and Eu^III ions), antenna (hexafluoroacetylacetonate=hfa), and bridging ligands (2,5‐bis(diphenylphosphoryl)furan=dpf). The emission color upon grinding (yellow TL) is clearly different from that upon UV irradiation (reddish‐orange PL) in Tb^III/Eu^III‐mixed coordination polymers [Tb,Eu(hfa)₃(dpf)]_n (Tb/Eu=1). The results directly indicate the discrete excitation processes of PL and TL.     

Combination of Mass Signal Amplification and Isotope‐Labeled Alkanethiols for the Multiplexed Detection of miRNAs

We report a fast and sensitive method for the multiplexed detection of miRNAs by combining mass signal amplification and isotope‐labeled signal reporter molecules. In our strategy, target miRNAs are captured specifically by immobilized DNAs on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), which carry a large number of small molecules, called amplification tags (Am‐tags), as the reporter for the detection of target miRNAs. For multiplexed detection, we designed and synthesized four Am‐tags containing 0, 4, 8, 12 isotopes so that they had same molecular properties but different molecular weights. By observing the mass signals of the Am‐tags on AuNPs decorated along with different probe DNAs, four types of miRNAs in a sample could be easily discriminated, and the relative amounts of these miRNAs could be quantified. The practicability of our strategy was further verified by measuring the expression levels of two miRNAs in HUVECs in response to different CuSO₄ concentrations.     

Triboluminescence of Lanthanide Coordination Polymers with Face-to-Face Arranged Substituents

Luminescence upon the grinding of solid materials (triboluminescence, TL) has long been a puzzling phenomenon in natural science and has also attracted attention because of its broad application in optics. It has been generally considered that the TL spectra exhibit similar profiles as those of photoluminescence (PL), although they occur from distinct stimuli. Herein, we describe for the first time a large spectral difference between these two physical phenomena using lanthanide^III coordination polymers with efficient TL and PL properties. They are composed of emission centers (Tb^III and Eu^III ions), antenna (hexafluoroacetylacetonate=hfa), and bridging ligands (2,5-bis(diphenylphosphoryl)furan=dpf). The emission color upon grinding (yellow TL) is clearly different from that upon UV irradiation (reddish-orange PL) in Tb^III/Eu^III-mixed coordination polymers [Tb,Eu(hfa)₃(dpf)]_n (Tb/Eu=1). The results directly indicate the discrete excitation processes of PL and TL.     

Supramolecular Luminescent Lanthanide Dimers for Fluoride Sequestering and Sensing

Lanthanide complexes (Ln=Eu, Tb, and Yb) that are based on a C₂‐symmetric cyclen scaffold were prepared and characterized. The addition of fluoride anions to aqueous solutions of the complexes resulted in the formation of dinuclear supramolecular compounds in which the anion is confined into the cavity that is formed by the two complexes. The supramolecular assembly process was monitored by UV/Vis absorption, luminescence, and NMR spectroscopy and high‐resolution mass spectrometry. The X‐ray crystal structure of the europium dimer revealed that the architecture of the scaffold is stabilized by synergistic effects of the Eu? F? Eu bridging motive, π stacking interactions, and a four‐component hydrogen‐bonding network, which control the assembly of the two [EuL] entities around the fluoride ion. The strong association in water allowed for the luminescence sensing of fluoride down to a detection limit of 24 nM .     

Selective collection and detection of MCF-7 breast cancer cells using aptamer-functionalized magnetic beads and quantum dots based nano-bio-probes

A novel strategy for selective collection and detection of breast cancer cells (MCF-7) based on aptamer–cell interaction was developed. Mucin 1 protein (MUC1) aptamer (Apt1) was covalently conjugated to magnetic beads to capture MCF-7 cell through affinity interaction between Apt1 and MUC1 protein that overexpressed on the surface of MCF-7 cells. Meanwhile, a nano-bio-probe was constructed by coupling of nucleolin aptamer AS1411 (Apt2) to CdTe quantum dots (QDs) which were homogeneously coated on the surfaces of monodispersed silica nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs). The nano-bio-probe displayed similar optical and electrochemical performances to free CdTe QDs, and remained high affinity to nucleolin overexpressed cells through the interaction between AS1411 and nucleolin protein. Photoluminescence (PL) and square-wave voltammetric (SWV) assays were used to quantitatively detect MCF-7 cells. Improved selectivity was obtained by using these two aptamers together as recognition elements simultaneously, compared to using any single aptamer. Based on the signal amplification of QDs coated silica nanoparticles (QDs/SiO₂), the detection sensitivity was enhanced and a detection limit of 201 and 85 cells mL⁻¹ by PL and SWV method were achieved, respectively. The proposed strategy could be extended to detect other cells, and showed potential applications in cell imaging and drug delivery.     

Selected‐Control Fabrication of Multifunctional Fluorescent–Magnetic Core–Shell and Yolk–Shell Hybrid Nanostructures

The selected‐control preparation of uniform core–shell and yolk–shell architectures, which combine the multiple functions of a superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO) core and europium‐doped yttrium oxide (Y₂O₃:Eu) shell in a single material with tunable fluorescence and magnetic properties, has been successfully achieved by controlling the heat‐treatment conditions. Furthermore, the shell thickness and interior cavity of SPIO@Y₂O₃:Eu core–shell and yolk–shell nanostructures can be precisely tuned. Importantly, as‐prepared SPIO@Y₂O₃:Eu yolk–shell nanocapsules (NCs) modified with amino groups as cancer‐cell fluorescence imaging agents are also demonstrated. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report on the selected‐control fabrication of uniform SPIO@Y₂O₃:Eu core–shell nanoparticles and yolk–shell NCs. The combined magnetic manipulation and optical monitoring of magnetic–fluorescent SPIO@Y₂O₃:Eu yolk–shell NCs will open up many exciting opportunities in dual imaging for targeted delivery and thermal therapy.     

Light Emitting Diodes Prepared from Terbium‐Immobilized Polyurea Chelates

Abstract

This article describes the synthesis and application of poly(1,4‐phenylene‐2,6‐pyridylurea) (MCPU) as a charge transporting and rare earth metal chelating host matrix for organic light emitting diodes (OLEDs). The chelation between MCPU and Terbium (Tb³⁺) (the rare earth metal used in this study), is facile in nature and persists in thin films obtained by spin coating onto various substrates. Multiple polymer chelating moieties at each Tb ion site may derive from MCPU repeat units from a single polymer chain or two polymer chains, and their respective structures are proposed. The emissive properties of these films in the presence and absence of Terbium (Tb³⁺) were characterized by steady state UV‐VIS absorption spectroscopy and photoluminescence (PL) spectroscopy. The PL emission from Tb(MCPU) films indicate contribution from both the host MCPU and the Tb ions. The incorporation of these films in OLEDs employing different device architectures yields electroluminescence spectra, which show the characteristic emission of the Tb ions but no emission from the host polymer matrix. Although these devices are not optimized, they exhibit an order of magnitude higher external quantum efficiency as compared to that of conventional aluminum tris 8‐hydroxyquinoline (Alq₃) based OLEDs, at low current densities.     

Red,Green, and Blue Luminescence by Carbon Dots: Full‐Color Emission Tuning and Multicolor Cellular Imaging

A facile approach for preparation of photoluminescent (PL) carbon dots (CDs) is reported. The three resulting CDs emit bright and stable red, green and blue (RGB) colors of luminescence, under a single ultraviolet‐light excitation. Alterations of PL emission of these CDs are tentatively proposed to result from the difference in their particle size and nitrogen content. Interestingly, up‐conversion (UC)PL of these CDs is also observed. Moreover, flexible full‐color emissive PVA films can be achieved through mixing two or three CDs in the appropriate ratios. These CDs also show low cytotoxicity and excellent cellular imaging capability. The facile preparation and unique optical features make these CDs potentially useful in numerous applications such as light‐emitting diodes, full‐color displays, and multiplexed (UC)PL bioimaging.     

Red,Green, and Blue Luminescence by Carbon Dots: Full‐Color Emission Tuning and Multicolor Cellular Imaging

A facile approach for preparation of photoluminescent (PL) carbon dots (CDs) is reported. The three resulting CDs emit bright and stable red, green and blue (RGB) colors of luminescence, under a single ultraviolet‐light excitation. Alterations of PL emission of these CDs are tentatively proposed to result from the difference in their particle size and nitrogen content. Interestingly, up‐conversion (UC)PL of these CDs is also observed. Moreover, flexible full‐color emissive PVA films can be achieved through mixing two or three CDs in the appropriate ratios. These CDs also show low cytotoxicity and excellent cellular imaging capability. The facile preparation and unique optical features make these CDs potentially useful in numerous applications such as light‐emitting diodes, full‐color displays, and multiplexed (UC)PL bioimaging.     

High‐Capacity Upconversion Wavelength and Lifetime Binary Encoding for Multiplexed Biodetection

Optical multiplexing plays an important role in fields ranging from advanced biological assays to security. However, conventional codes based on fluorescent color and intensity are limited to spectral overlap and background interference. Herein, we present a new multiplexing concept by manipulating the luminescence emission color and decay lifetimes of upconversion nanoparticles (τ_λ‐UCNPs) separately for the first time through designing the core/multi‐shell structure and controlled energy relay method. This new color/lifetime binary strategy exhibits exponentially scalable encoding capacity (>10⁵), three orders of magnitudes higher than that of conventional color/intensity way. The strategy enables the multiplexed detection of human papilloma virus (HPV) subtypes in patient samples and robust anti‐counterfeiting. This work opens new opportunities for optical multiplexing with luminescent materials.     

Synthesis,Structures, and Luminescent Properties of Chloride and Nitrate LnIII Complexes Coordinated by tris(Pyrazolyl)methane

We report the synthesis of Ln³⁺ nitrate [Ln(Tpm)(NO₃)₃] ⋅ MeCN (Ln=Yb ( 1Yb ), Eu ( 1Eu )) and chloride [Yb(Tpm)Cl₃] ⋅ 2MeCN ( 2Yb ), [Eu(Tpm)Cl₂(μ-Cl)]₂ ( 2Eu ) complexes coordinated by neutral tripodal tris(3,5-dimethylpyrazolyl)methane (Tpm). The crystal structures of 1Ln and 2Ln were established by single crystal X-ray diffraction, while for 1Yb high resolution experiment was performed. Nitrate complexes 1Ln are isomorphous and both adopt mononuclear structure. Chloride 2Yb is monomeric, while Eu³⁺ analogue 2Eu adopts a binuclear structure due to two μ²-bridging chloride ligands. The typical lanthanide luminescence was observed for europium complexes ( 1Eu and 2Eu ) as well as for terbium and dysprosium analogues ([Ln(Tpm)(NO₃)₃] ⋅ MeCN, Ln=Tb ( 1Tb ), Dy ( 1Dy ); [Ln(Tpm)Cl₃] ⋅ 2MeCN, Ln=Tb ( 2Tb ), Dy ( 2Dy )).     

Auger Ionization Beats Photo‐Oxidation of Semiconductor Quantum Dots: Extended Stability of Single‐Molecule Photoluminescence

Despite the bright and tuneable photoluminescence (PL) of semiconductor quantum dots (QDs), the PL instability induced by Auger recombination and oxidation poses a major challenge in single‐molecule applications of QDs. The incomplete information about Auger recombination and oxidation is an obstacle in the resolution of this challenge. Here, we report for the first time that Auger‐ionized QDs beat self‐sensitized oxidation and the non‐digitized PL intensity loss. Although high‐intensity photoactivation insistently induces PL blinking, the transient escape of QDs into the ultrafast Auger recombination cycle prevents generation of singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and preserves the PL intensity. By the detection of the NIR phosphorescence of ¹O₂ and evaluation of the photostability of single QDs in aerobic, anaerobic, and ¹O₂ scavenger‐enriched environments, we disclose relations of Auger ionization and ¹O₂‐mediated oxidation to the PL stability of single QDs, which will be useful during the formulation of QD‐based single‐molecule imaging tools and single‐photon devices.     

Lanthanide complexes as imaging agents anchored on nano-sized particles of boehmite

The synthesis of boehmite nanoparticles modified with lanthanides (Eu, Tb and Gd) is described. Their synthesis, characterization and in vitro assays with HeLa cells were performed. The nuclear magnetic relaxation dispersion (NMRD) profiles of the two chelating moieties were studied. Imaging data from laser scanning confocal fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry revealed that the nanoscaffolds were taken up by the cells, distributed throughout the cytoplasm and showed no toxicity. This platform could represent an alternative to silica-based inert matrices as imaging vehicles.     

Luminescence Resonance Energy Transfer Sensors Based on the Assemblies of Oppositely Charged Lanthanide/Gold Nanoparticles in Aqueous Solution

This work demonstrates luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) sensors based on lanthanide‐doped nanoparticles as donors (D) and gold nanoparticles as acceptors (A), combined through electrostatic interactions between the oppositely charged nanoparticles. Negatively charged lanthanide‐doped nanoparticles, YVO₄:Eu and LaPO₄:Ce,Tb, with high luminescence quantum yield and good water‐solubility, are synthesized through a polymer‐assisted hydrothermal method. Positively charged polyhedral and spherical gold nanoparticles exhibit surface plasmon resonance (SPR) bands centered at 623 and 535 nm, respectively. These bands overlap well with the emission of the Eu³⁺ and Tb³⁺ ions within the lanthanide nanoparticles. Herein, the gold nanoparticles are synthesized through a seed‐mediated cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB)‐assisted method. The assemblies of the oppositely charged donors and acceptors are developed into LRET‐based sensors exhibiting a donor quenching efficiency close to 100 %.     

Combined Two‐Photon Excitation and d→f Energy Transfer in a Water‐Soluble IrIII/EuIII Dyad: Two Luminescence Components from One Molecule for Cellular Imaging

The first example of cell imaging using two independent emission components from a dinuclear d/f complex is reported. A water‐stable, cell‐permeable Ir^III/Eu^III dyad undergoes partial Ir→Eu energy transfer following two‐photon excitation of the Ir unit at 780 nm. Excitation in the near‐IR region generated simultaneously green Ir‐based emission and red Eu‐based emission from the same probe. The orders‐of‐magnitude difference in their timescales (Ir ca. μs; Eu ca. 0.5 ms) allowed them to be identified by time‐gated detection. Phosphorescence lifetime imaging microscopy (PLIM) allowed the lifetime of the Ir‐based emission to be measured in different parts of the cell. At the same time, the cells are simultaneously imaged by using the Eu‐based emission component at longer timescales. This new approach to cellular imaging by using dual d/f emitters should therefore enable autofluorescence‐free sensing of two different analytes, independently, simultaneously and in the same regions of a cell.     

Synthesis,Crystal Structure,and Magnetic Property of New Trispin Ln(III)‐Nitronyl Nitroxide Complexes

Four Ln(III) complexes based on a new nitronyl nitroxide radical have been synthesized and structurally characterized: {Ln(hfac)₃[NITPh(MeO)₂]₂} (Ln = Eu( 1 ), Gd( 2 ), Tb( 3 ), Dy( 4 ); NITPh(MeO)₂ = 2‐(3′,4′‐dimethoxyphenyl)‐4,4,5,5‐tetramethylimidazoline‐1‐oxyl‐3‐oxide; hfac = hexafluoroacetylacetonate). The single‐crystal X‐ray diffraction analysis shows that these complexes have similar mononuclear trispin structures, in which central Ln(III) ion is eight‐coordinated by two O‐atoms from two nitroxide groups and six O‐atoms from three hfac anions. The variable temperature magnetic susceptibility study reveals that there exist ferromagnetic interactions between Gd(III) and the radicals, and antiferromagnetic interactions between two radicals (J_Gd‐Rad = 3.40 cm^?1, J_Rad‐Rad = ?9.99 cm^?1) in complex 2 . Meanwhile, antiferromagnetic interactions are estimated between Eu(III) (or Dy(III)) and radicals in complexes 1 and 4 , and ferromagnetic interaction between Tb(III) and radicals in complex 3 , respectively.     

Self‐Assembly versus Stepwise Synthesis: Heterometal–Organic Frameworks Based on Metalloligands with Tunable Luminescence Properties

A new family of heterometal–organic frameworks has been prepared by two synthesis strategies, in which IFMC‐26 and IFMC‐27 are constructed by self‐assembly and IFMC‐28 is obtained by stepwise synthesis based on the metalloligand (IFMC=Institute of Functional Material Chemistry). IFMC‐26 is a (3,6)‐connected net and IFMC‐27 is a (4,8)‐connected 3D framework. The metalloligands {Ni(H₄L)}(NO₃)₂ are connected by binuclear lanthanide clusters giving rise to a 2D sheet structure in IFMC‐28 . Notably, IFMC‐26‐Eu _x Tb _y and IFMC‐28‐Eu _x Tb _y have been obtained by changing the molar ratios of raw materials. Owing to the porosity of IFMC‐26 , Tb³⁺@IFMC‐26‐Eu and Eu³⁺@IFMC‐26‐Tb are obtained by postencapsulating Tb^III and Eu^III ions into the pores, respectively. Tunable luminescence in metal–organic frameworks is achieved by the two kinds of doping methods. In particular, the quantum yields of heterometal–organic frameworks are apparently enhanced by postencapsulation of Ln^III ions.     

5-氨基间苯二甲酸敏化LaF_3∶Tb发光纳米粒子的合成及其细胞成像

以稀土硝酸盐、NH4F、5-氨基间苯二甲酸(AIPA)和柠檬酸为反应原料,水热法一锅合成了水溶性良好的AIPA敏化LaF3∶Tb(AIPA-LaF3∶Tb)纳米粒子。采用X射线衍射、透射电镜、红外光谱等对粒子进行了表征。结果表明,合成粒子为六方晶系的LaF3晶体,粒径为8 nm左右,粒子表面包覆了AIPA。测试了合成粒子的发光性能,其最大激发和发射波长分别为348和547 nm,粒子中存在着AIPA向Tb3+的能量传递。和LaF3∶Ce,Tb粒子相比,AIPA-LaF3∶Tb粒子的激发波长红移了94 nm,发光强度增大。在合成的基础上,对AIPA-LaF3∶Tb粒子进行了氨基化修饰,然后将氨基化粒子和兔抗人CEA抗体偶联,最后用偶联了抗体的AIPA-LaF3∶Tb粒子对HeLa细胞进行免疫标记与成像。     

5-氨基间苯二甲酸敏化LaF3：Tb发光纳米粒子的合成及其细胞成像

以稀土硝酸盐、NH₄F、5-氨基间苯二甲酸（AIPA）和柠檬酸为反应原料,水热法一锅合成了水溶性良好的AIPA敏化LaF₃：Tb（AIPA-LaF₃：Tb）纳米粒子。采用X射线衍射、透射电镜、红外光谱等对粒子进行了表征。结果表明,合成粒子为六方晶系的LaF₃晶体,粒径为8nm左右,粒子表面包覆了AIPA。测试了合成粒子的发光性能,其最大激发和发射波长分别为348和547nm,粒子中存在着AIPA向Tb³⁺的能量传递。和LaF₃：Ce,Tb粒子相比,AIPA-LaF₃：Tb粒子的激发波长红移了94nm,发光强度增大。在合成的基础上,对AIPA-LaF₃：Tb粒子进行了氨基化修饰,然后将氨基化粒子和兔抗人CEA抗体偶联,最后用偶联了抗体的AIPA-LaF₃：Tb粒子对HeLa细胞进行免疫标记与成像。     

Lanthanide Metal–Organic Framework Microrods: Colored Optical Waveguides and Chiral Polarized Emission

Lanthanide metal–organic frameworks (Ln‐MOFs) have received much attention owing to their structural tunability and widely photofunctional applications. However, successful examples of Ln‐MOFs with well‐defined photonic performances at micro‐/nanometer size are still quite limited. Herein, self‐assemblies of 1,3,5‐benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTC) and lanthanide ions afford isostructural crystalline Ln‐MOFs. Tb‐BTC, Eu@Tb‐BTC, and Eu‐BTC have 1D microrod morphologies, high photoluminescence (PL) quantum yields, and different emission colors (green, orange, and red). Spatially PL resolved spectra confirm that Ln‐MOF microrods exhibit an optical waveguide effect with low waveguide loss coefficient (0.012≈0.033 dB μm⁻¹) during propagation. Furthermore, these microrods feature both linear and chiral polarized photoemission with high anisotropy.