Exceptionally Inert Lanthanide(III) PARACEST MRI Contrast Agents Based on an 18‐Membered Macrocyclic Platform

We report a macrocyclic ligand based on a 3,6,10,13‐tetraaza‐1,8(2,6)‐dipyridinacyclotetradecaphane platform containing four hydroxyethyl pendant arms (L¹) that forms extraordinary inert complexes with Ln³⁺ ions. The [EuL¹]³⁺ complex does not undergo dissociation in 1 M HCl over a period of months at room temperature. Furthermore, high concentrations of phosphate and Zn²⁺ ions at room temperature do not provoke metal‐complex dissociation. The X‐ray crystal structures of six Ln³⁺ complexes reveal ten coordination of the ligand to the metal ions through the six nitrogen atoms of the macrocycle and the four oxygen atoms of the hydroxyethyl pendant arms. The analysis of the Yb³⁺‐ and Pr³⁺‐induced paramagnetic ¹H NMR shifts show that the solid‐state structures are retained in aqueous solution. The intensity of the ¹H NMR signal of bulk water can be modulated by saturation of the signals of the hydroxy protons of Pr³⁺, Eu³⁺, and Yb³⁺ complexes following chemical‐exchange saturation transfer (CEST). The ability of these complexes to provide large CEST effects at 25 and 37 °C and pH 7.4 was confirmed by using CEST magnetic resonance imaging experiments.     

A Frequency-Selective pH-Responsive paraCEST Agent

Paramagnetic chemical exchange saturation transfer (paraCEST) agents are well-suited for imaging tissue pH because the basis of CEST, chemical exchange, is inherently sensitive to pH. Several previous pH-sensitive paraCEST agents were based on an exchanging Ln³⁺-bound water molecule as the CEST antenna but this design often added additional line-broadening to the bulk water signal due to T₂ exchange. We report herein a pH-sensitive paraCEST agent that lacks an inner-sphere water molecule but contains one Ln-bound −OH group for CEST activation. The Yb³⁺ complex, Yb( 1 ), displayed a single, highly shifted CEST peak originating from the exchangeable Yb-OH proton, the frequency of which changed over the biologically relevant pH range. CEST images of phantoms ranging in pH from 6 to 8 demonstrate the potential of this agent for imaging pH. Initial rodent imaging studies showed that Gd( 1 ) remains in the vascular system much longer than anticipated but is cleared slowly via renal filtration.     

Rare‐Earth‐Based Nanoparticles with Simultaneously Enhanced Near‐Infrared (NIR)‐Visible (Vis) and NIR‐NIR Dual‐Conversion Luminescence for Multimodal Imaging

Multifunctional NaGdF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺,Nd³⁺@NaGdF₄:Nd³⁺ core–shell nanoparticles (called Gd:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺,Nd³⁺@Gd:Nd³⁺ NPs) with simultaneously enhanced near‐infrared (NIR)‐visible (Vis) and NIR‐NIR dual‐conversion (up and down) luminescence (UCL/DCL) properties were successfully synthesized. The resulting core–shell NPs simultaneously emitted enhanced UCL at 522, 540, and 660 nm and DCL at 980 and 1060 nm under the excitation of a 793 nm laser. The enhanced UCL and DCL can be explained by complex energy‐transfer processes, Nd³⁺→Yb³⁺→Er³⁺ and Nd³⁺→Yb³⁺, respectively. The effects of Nd³⁺ concentration and shell thickness on the UCL/DCL properties were systematically investigated. The UCL and DCL properties of NPs were observed under the optimal conditions: a shell Nd³⁺ content of 20 % and a shell thickness of approximately 5 nm. Moreover, the Gd:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺,Nd³⁺@Gd:20 % Nd³⁺ NPs exhibited remarkable magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) properties similar to that of a clinical agent, Omniscan. Thus, the core–shell NPs with excellent UCL/DCL/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) properties have great potential for both in vitro and in vivo multimodal bioimaging.     

Lanthanide‐Based T2ex and CEST Complexes Provide Insights into the Design of pH Sensitive MRI Agents

The CEST and T₁ /T₂ relaxation properties of a series of Eu³⁺ and Dy³⁺ DOTA‐tetraamide complexes with four appended primary amine groups are measured as a function of pH. The CEST signals in the Eu³⁺ complexes show a strong CEST signal after the pH was reduced from 8 to 5. The opposite trend was observed for the Dy³⁺ complexes where the r_2ex of bulk water protons increased dramatically from ca. 1.5 mm ⁻¹ s⁻¹ to 13 mm ⁻¹ s⁻¹ between pH 5 and 9 while r₁ remained unchanged. A fit of the CEST data (Eu³⁺ complexes) to Bloch theory and the T_2ex data (Dy³⁺ complexes) to Swift–Connick theory provided the proton‐exchange rates as a function of pH. These data showed that the four amine groups contribute significantly to proton‐catalyzed exchange of the Ln³⁺‐bound water protons even though their pK _a’s are much higher than the observed CEST or T_2ex effects. This demonstrated the utility of using appended acidic/basic groups to catalyze prototropic exchange for imaging tissue pH by MRI.     

Enhanced NIR Luminescence of Nanozeolite L Loading Lanthanide β‐Diketonate Complexes

Herein, we report the preparation of zeolite NIR luminescence materials with a remarkable increase of luminescence intensity by attaching stopper molecule (an imidazolium salt) to the channel entrances of zeolite L loading with NIR lanthanide (Er³⁺ or Nd³⁺) β‐diketonate complexes. This results from the formation of Ln³⁺‐β‐diketonate complexes (Ln=Er or Nd) with high coordination numbers through the decreasing of the proton strength in the zeolite channels. The obtained materials were characterized with SEM and photoluminescence spectroscopy. We believe that this hybrid material will be an appealing candidate for the applications of optical fiber, telecommunications and bio‐imaging.     

Multimode Luminescence Tailoring and Improvement of Cs2NaHoCl6 Cryolite Crystals via Sb3+/Yb3+ Alloying for Versatile Photoelectric Applications

Lead-free halide double perovskites are currently gaining significant attention owing to their exceptional environmental friendliness, structural adjustability as well as self-trapped exciton emission. However, stable and efficient double perovskite with multimode luminescence and tunable spectra are still urgently needed for multifunctional photoelectric application. Herein, holmium based cryolite materials (Cs₂NaHoCl₆) with anti-thermal quenching and multimode photoluminescence were successfully synthesized. By the further alloying of Sb³⁺ (s-p transitions) and Yb³⁺ (f-f transitions) ions, its luminescence properties can be well modulated, originating from tailoring band gap structure and enriching electron transition channels. Upon Sb³⁺ substitution in Cs₂NaHoCl₆, additional absorption peaking at 334 nm results in the tremendous increase of photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). Meanwhile, not only the typical NIR emission around 980 nm of Ho³⁺ is enhanced, but also the red and NIR emissions show a diverse range of anti-thermal quenching photoluminescence behaviors. Furthermore, through designing Yb³⁺ doping, the up-conversion photoluminescence can be triggered by changing excitation laser power density (yellow-to-orange) and Yb³⁺ doping concentration (red-to-green). Through a combined experimental-theoretical approach, the related luminescence mechanism is revealed. In general, by alloying Sb³⁺/Yb³⁺ in Cs₂NaHoCl₆, abundant energy level ladders are constructed and more luminescence modes are derived, demonstrating great potential in multifunctional photoelectric applications.     

Metal ion binding of photoactive poly-(arylene ethynylene) co-polymers

The metal ion binding properties of three photoactive poly-(arylene ethynylene) co-polymers with potentially complexing units have been described. Upon protonation or complexation, the intensity of the luminescence typical of these conjugated polymers is completely quenched, due to the extended electronic conjugation of the polymer backbones. In the case of the formation of complexes with Yb³⁺ and Er³⁺, one of the studied polymers gives rise to an efficient sensitization of their typical metal centred NIR emission. This feature is of particular interest for the preparation of new materials that are the subject of active research for their possible applications in optical imaging and in optical amplification for telecommunication purposes.     

Graphene‐Oxide‐Modified Lanthanide Nanoprobes for Tumor‐Targeted Visible/NIR‐II Luminescence Imaging

The synthesis of hydrophilic lanthanide‐doped nanocrystals (Ln³⁺‐NCs) with molecular recognition ability for bioimaging currently remains a challenge. Herein, we present an effective strategy to circumvent this bottleneck by encapsulating Ln³⁺‐NCs in graphene oxide (NCs@GO). Monodisperse NCs@GO was prepared by optimizing GO size and core–shell structure of NaYF₄:Yb,Er@NaYF₄, thus combining the intense visible/near‐infrared II (NIR‐II) luminescence of NCs and the unique surface properties and biomedical functions of GO. Such nanostructures not only feature broad solvent dispersibility, efficient cell uptake, and excellent biocompatibility but also enable further modifications with various agents such as DNA, proteins, or nanoparticles without tedious procedures. Moreover, we demonstrate in proof‐of‐concept experiments that NCs@GO can realize simultaneous intracellular tracking and microRNA‐21 visualization, as well as highly sensitive in vivo tumor‐targeted NIR‐II imaging at 1525 nm.     

Efficient Near-Infrared Electroluminescence from Lanthanide-Doped Perovskite Quantum Cutters

Perovskite nanocrystals (PeNCs) deliver size- and composition-tunable luminescence of high efficiency and color purity in the visible range. However, attaining efficient electroluminescence (EL) in the near-infrared (NIR) region from PeNCs is challenging, limiting their potential applications. Here we demonstrate a highly efficient NIR light-emitting diode (LED) by doping ytterbium ions into a PeNCs host (Yb³⁺ : PeNCs), extending the EL wavelengths toward 1000 nm, which is achieved through a direct sensitization of Yb³⁺ ions by the PeNC host. Efficient quantum-cutting processes enable high photoluminescence quantum yields (PLQYs) of up to 126 % from the Yb³⁺ : PeNCs. Through halide-composition engineering and surface passivation to improve both PLQY and charge-transport balance, we demonstrate an efficient NIR LED with a peak external quantum efficiency of 7.7 % at a central wavelength of 990 nm, representing the most efficient perovskite-based LEDs with emission wavelengths beyond 850 nm.     

Luminescence of lanthanides in complexes with chromophoric crown ethers

Spectral luminescence characteristics, viz., quantum yields and luminescence lifetime, of the Yb³⁺ and Nd³⁺ ions in aqueous-methanolic solutions of their complexes with chromophoric benzo-15-crown-5 derivatives were determined. The efficient 4f-luminescence (_exc = 337 nm) is due to the intramolecular transfer of the excitation energy from the chromophoric moiety of the molecule to the Ln³⁺ ion.     

A New Class of Blue‐LED‐Excitable NIR‐II Luminescent Nanoprobes Based on Lanthanide‐Doped CaS Nanoparticles

Lanthanide (Ln³⁺)‐doped luminescent nanoparticles (NPs) with emission in the second near‐infrared (NIR‐II) biological window have shown great promise but their applications are currently limited by the low absorption efficiency of Ln³⁺ owing to the parity‐forbidden 4f→4f electronic transition. Herein, we developed a strategy for the controlled synthesis of a new class of NIR‐II luminescent nanoprobes based on Ce³⁺/Er³⁺ and Ce³⁺/Nd³⁺ co‐doped CaS NPs, which can be effectively excited by using a low‐cost blue light‐emitting diode chip. Through sensitization by the allowed 4f→5d transition of Ce³⁺, intense NIR‐II luminescence from Er³⁺ and Nd³⁺ with quantum yields of 9.3 % and 7.7 % was achieved, respectively. By coating them with a layer of amphiphilic phospholipids, these NPs exhibit excellent stability in water and can be exploited as sensitive NIR‐II luminescent nanoprobes for the accurate detection of an important disease biomarker, xanthine, with a detection limit of 32.0 nm .     

Highly Efficient Visible‐to‐NIR Luminescence of Lanthanide(III) Complexes with Zwitterionic Ligands Bearing Charge‐Transfer Character: Beyond Triplet Sensitization

Two zwitterionic‐type ligands featuring π–π* and intraligand charge‐transfer (ILCT) excited states, namely 1,1′‐(2,3,5,6‐tetramethyl‐1,4‐phenylene)bis(methylene)dipyridinium‐4‐olate (TMPBPO) and 1‐dodecylpyridin‐4(1 H)‐one (DOPO), have been prepared and applied to the assembly of lanthanide coordination complexes in an effort to understand the ligand‐direction effect on the structure of the Ln complexes and the ligand sensitization effect on the luminescence of the Ln complexes. Due to the wide‐band triplet states plus additional ILCT excitation states extending into lower energy levels, broadly and strongly sensitized photoluminescence of f→f transitions from various Ln³⁺ ions were observed to cover the visible to near‐infrared (NIR) regions. Among which, the Pr, Sm, Dy, and Tm complexes simultaneously display both strong visible and NIR emissions. Based on the isostructural feature of the Ln complexes, color tuning and single‐component white light was achieved by preparation of solid solutions of the ternary systems Gd‐Eu‐Tb (for TMPBPO) and La‐Eu‐Tb and La‐Dy‐Sm (for DOPO). Moreover, the visible and NIR luminescence lifetimes of the Ln complexes with the TMPBPO ligand were investigated from 77 to 298 K, revealing a strong temperature dependence of the Tm³⁺ (³H₄) and Yb³⁺ (²F_5/2) decay dynamics, which has not been explored before for their coordination complexes.     

NIR‐to‐NIR Two‐Photon Scanning Laser Microscopy Imaging of Single Nanoparticles Doped by YbIII Complexes

The photophysical and nonlinear optical properties of water‐soluble chromophore‐functionalised tris‐dipicolinate complexes [LnL₃]^3? (Ln=Yb and Nd) are thoroughly studied, revealing that only the Yb^III luminescence can be sensitized by a two‐photon excitation process. The stability of the complex in water is strongly enhanced by embedding in dispersible organosilicate nanoparticles (NPs). Finally, the spectroscopic properties of [NBu₄]₃[YbL₃] are studied in solution and in the solid state. The high brightness of the NPs allows imaging them as single objects using a modified two‐photon microscopy setup in a NIR‐to‐NIR configuration.     

Tuning the photophysical properties of lanthanide(iii)/zinc(ii) ‘encapsulated sandwich’ metallacrowns emitting in the near-infrared range

A family of Zn₁₆Ln(HA)₁₆ metallacrowns (MCs; Ln = Yb^III, Er^III, and Nd^III; HA = picoline- (picHA²⁻), pyrazine- (pyzHA²⁻), and quinaldine- (quinHA²⁻) hydroximates) with an ‘encapsulated sandwich’ structure possesses outstanding luminescence properties in the near-infrared (NIR) and suitability for cell imaging. Here, to decipher which parameters affect their functional and photophysical properties and how the nature of the hydroximate ligands can allow their fine tuning, we have completed this Zn₁₆Ln(HA)₁₆ family by synthesizing MCs with two new ligands, naphthyridine- (napHA²⁻) and quinoxaline- (quinoHA²⁻) hydroximates. Zn₁₆Ln(napHA)₁₆ and Zn₁₆Ln(quinoHA)₁₆ exhibit absorption bands extended into the visible range and efficiently sensitize the NIR emissions of Yb^III, Er^III, and Nd^III upon excitation up to 630 nm. The energies of the lowest singlet (S₁), triplet (T₁) and intra-ligand charge transfer (ILCT) states have been determined. Ln^III-centered total (Q^L_Ln) and intrinsic (Q^Ln_Ln) quantum yields, sensitization efficiencies (η_sens), observed (τ_obs) and radiative (τ_rad) luminescence lifetimes have been recorded and analyzed in the solid state and in CH₃OH and CD₃OD solutions for all Zn₁₆Ln(HA)₁₆. We found that, within the Zn₁₆Ln(HA)₁₆ family, τ_rad values are not constant for a particular Ln^III. The close in energy positions of T₁ and ILCT states in Zn₁₆Ln(picHA)₁₆ and Zn₁₆Ln(quinHA)₁₆ are preferred for the sensitization of Ln^III NIR emission and η_sens values reach 100% for Nd^III. Finally, the highest values of Q^L_Ln are observed for Zn₁₆Ln(quinHA)₁₆ in the solid state or in CD₃OD solutions. With these data at hand, we are now capable of creating MCs with desired properties suitable for NIR optical imaging.

We have created a family of ‘encapsulated sandwich’ Zn₁₆Ln(HA)₁₆ metallacrowns and by detailed quantitative analysis demonstrated how the nature of the hydroximate ligand impacts photophysical properties of these complexes.     

Upconversion Luminescence through Cooperative and Energy-Transfer Mechanisms in Yb3+-Metal-Organic Frameworks

Lanthanide-doped metal–organic frameworks (Ln-MOFs) have versatile luminescence properties, however it is challenging to achieve lanthanide-based upconversion luminescence in these materials. Here, 1,3,5-benzenetricarboxylic acid (BTC) and trivalent Yb³⁺ ions were used to generate crystalline Yb-BTC MOF 1D-microrods with upconversion luminescence under near infrared excitation via cooperative luminescence. Subsequently, the Yb-BTC MOFs were doped with a variety of different lanthanides to evaluate the potential for Yb³⁺-based upconversion and energy transfer. Yb-BTC MOFs doped with Er³⁺, Ho³⁺, Tb³⁺, and Eu³⁺ ions exhibit both the cooperative luminescence from Yb³⁺ and the characteristic emission bands of these ions under 980 nm irradiation. In contrast, only the 497 nm upconversion emission band from Yb³⁺ is observed in the MOFs doped with Tm³⁺, Pr³⁺, Sm³⁺, and Dy³⁺. The effects of different dopants on the efficiency of cooperative luminescence were established and will provide guidance for the exploitation of Ln-MOFs exhibiting upconversion.     

Aptamer‐Based Luminescence Energy Transfer from Near‐Infrared‐to‐Near‐Infrared Upconverting Nanoparticles to Gold Nanorods and Its Application for the Detection of Thrombin

A new luminescence energy transfer (LET) system has been designed for the detection of thrombin in the near‐infrared (NIR) region by utilizing NIR‐to‐NIR upconversion lanthanide nanophosphors (UCNPs) as the donor and gold nanorods (Au NRs) as the acceptor. The use of upconverting NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺ nanoparticles with sharp NIR emission peaks upon NIR excitation by an inexpensive infrared continuous wave laser diode provided large spectral overlap between the donor and the acceptor. Both the Au NRs and carboxyl‐terminated NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺ UCNPs were first modified with different thrombin aptamers. When thrombin was added, a LET system was then formed because of the specific recognition between the thrombin aptamers and thrombin. The LET system was used to monitor thrombin concentrations in aqueous buffer and human blood samples. The limits of detection for thrombin are as low as 0.118 nM in buffer solution and 0.129 nM in human serum. The method was also successfully applied to thrombin detection in blood samples.     

Ln3Q9 as a Molecular Framework for Ion‐Size‐Driven Assembly of Heterolanthanide (Nd,Er, Yb) Multiple Near‐Infrared Emitters

A unique example of discrete molecular entity Nd_yEr_xYb_3?(x+y)Q₉ ( 1 ) (Q=quinolinolato) containing three different lanthanides simultaneously emitting in three different spectral regions in the NIR, ranging from 900 to 1600 nm, has been synthesized and fully chararacterized. A simple molecular strategy based on tuning metal composition in the Ln₃Q₉ framework, which contains inequivalent central and terminal coordination sites, has allowed a satisfactory ion‐size‐driven control of molecular speciation close to 90 %. In 1 the central position of the larger Nd ion is well distinguished from the terminal ones of the smaller Yb³⁺ and Er³⁺, which are almost “vicariants” as found in the heterobimetallic Er_xYb_3?xQ₉ ( 2 ). The Ln₃Q₉ molecular architecture, which allows communication between the ions, has proved to afford multiple NIR emission in 1 and 2 , and is promising to develop a variety of multifunctional materials through the variation of the Ln composition.     

Near-IR Luminescent YbIII Coordination Polymers Composed of Pyrene Derivatives for Thermostable Oxygen Sensors

Oxygen-sensitive and near-infrared (NIR) luminescent Yb^III coordination polymers incorporating ligands based on pyrene derivatives were synthesized: Yb^III–TBAPy and Yb^III–TIAPy (TBAPy: 1,3,6,8-tetrakis(p-benzoate)pyrene; TIAPy: 1,3,6,8-tetrakis(3,5-isophthalic acid)pyrene). The coordination structures of these materials have been characterized by means of electrospray ionization mass spectrometry, X-ray diffraction analysis, and thermogravimetric analysis. Moreover, the porous structure of Yb^III–TIAPy has been evaluated by measuring its N₂ adsorption isotherm. The NIR luminescence properties of Yb^III–TBAPy and Yb^III–TIAPy have been examined by acquiring emission spectra and determining emission lifetimes under air or argon and in vacuo. Yb^III–TIAPy exhibited high thermal stability (with a decomposition temperature of 400 °C), intense luminescence (with an emission quantum yield under argon of 6.6 %), and effective oxygen-sensing characteristics. These results suggest that NIR luminescent Yb^III coordination polymers prepared using pyrene derivatives could have applications in novel thermo-stable oxygen sensors.     

Wavelength-Dependent Singlet Oxygen Generation in Luminescent Lanthanide Complexes with a Pyridine-Bis(Carboxamide)-Terthiophene Sensitizer

Lanthanide ion (Ln^III) complexes, [Ln(3Tcbx)₂]³⁺ (Ln^III=Yb^III, Nd^III, Er^III) are isolated with a new pyridine-bis(carboxamide)-based ligand with a 2,2′:5′,2′′-terthiophene pendant (3TCbx), and their resulting photophysical properties are explored. Upon excitation of the complexes at 490 nm, only Ln^III emission is observed with efficiencies of 0.29 % at 976 nm for Ln^III=Yb^III and 0.16 % at 1053 nm for Ln^III=Nd^III. Er^III emission is observed but weak. Upon excitation at 400 nm, concurrent ¹O₂ formation is seen, with efficiencies of 11 % for the Yb^III and Nd^III complexes and 13 % for the Er^III complex. Owing to the concurrent generation of ¹O₂, as expected, the efficiency of metal-centered emission decreases to 0.02 % for Yb^III and 0.05 % for Nd^III. The ability to control ¹O₂ generation through the excitation wavelength indicates that the incorporation of 2,2′:5′,2′′-terthiophene results in access to multiple sensitization pathways. These energy pathways are unraveled through transient absorption spectroscopy.     

Ytterbium(III) Porpholactones: β‐Lactonization of Porphyrin Ligands Enhances Sensitization Efficiency of Lanthanide Near‐Infrared Luminescence

The near‐infrared (NIR) luminescence efficiency of lanthanide complexes is largely dependent on the electronic and photophysical properties of antenna ligands. Although porphyrin ligands are efficient sensitizers of lanthanide NIR luminescence, non‐pyrrolic porphyrin analogues, which have unusual symmetry and electronic states, have been much less studied. In this work, we used porpholactones, a class of β‐pyrrolic‐modified porphyrins, as ligands and investigated the photophysical properties of lanthanide porpholactones Yb‐1 a – 5 a . Compared with Yb porphyrin complexes, the porpholactone complexes displayed remarkable enhancement of NIR emission (50–120 %). Estimating the triplet‐state levels of porphyrin and porpholactone in Gd complexes revealed that β‐lactonization of porphyrinic ligands lowers the ligand T₁ state and results in a narrow energy gap between this state and the lowest excited state of Yb³⁺. Transient absorption spectra showed that Yb^III porpholactone has a longer transient decay lifetime at the Soret band than the porphyrin analogue (30.8 versus 17.0 μs). Thus, the narrower energy gap and longer lifetime arising from β‐lactonization are assumed to enhance NIR emission of Yb porpholactones. To demonstrate the potential applications of Yb porpholactone, a water‐soluble Yb bioprobe was constructed by conjugating glucose to Yb ‐ 1 a . Interestingly, the NIR emission of this Yb porpholactone could be specifically switched on in the presence of glucose oxidase and then switched off by addition of glucose. This is the first demonstration that non‐pyrrolic porphyrin ligands enhance the sensitization efficiency of lanthanide luminescence and also display switchable NIR emission in the region of biological analytes (800–1400 nm).