A lanthanide nanoparticle-based luminescent probe for folic acid

We report on a novel luminescent method for the detection of folic acid (FA), a member of the vitamin B family. Y₂O₃ nanoparticles were doped with europium(III) ions and surface-modified with captopril. Their fluorescence is quenched by FA, and intensity is a function of folic acid concentration in the 0.1 – 40 μM concentration range. The detection limit is 83 nM of FA at pH 7 and room temperature.

Study of the effect of praseodymium substitution on hydrogen storage and electrochemical properties of cerium-rich AB5 alloys

Journal of the Iranian Chemical Society - In order to investigate the hydrogen storage properties of cerium-rich RE-based alloys, series of MmNi5 and Mm(1−x)PrxNi3.55Co0.75Mn0.4Al0.3...     

Y2O3: Eu,Zn nanocrystals as a fluorescent probe for the detection of biotin

We report on the application of nanocrystals (NCs) of the type Y₂O₃: Eu,Zn as a probe for the fluorescent detection of biotin in aqueous solution. The NCs were dispersed in water in the presence of various surface modifiers including mercaptoethanol (ME), monoethanolamine and ethylene glycol. Both the absorbance of surfactant and the stability of the suspensions were investigated in order to optimize the experimental conditions. ME is found to be the most suitable surfactant for stabilization of the suspended NCs. Their photoluminescence intensity is found to be quenched by biotin. The Stern-Volmer constant for the quenching process is 7.6?×?10³ M^?1. This NC probe can be applied to the detection of biotin in the 1–60 μM concentration range with detection limit of 1.89 μM. The possible mechanisms of quenching also are discussed.