Luminescent Europium(III) Nanoparticles for Sensing and Imaging of Temperature in the Physiological Range

Abstract

Europium(III) Nanoparticles are fabricated for sensing and imaging of physiological temperatures (see image). The material shows visible-light excitation, line-like emission, inertness to external perturbers (such as oxygen in air), and a dynamic range that covers temperatures encountered in medicine and (cellular) biology. The resolution is +/- 0.3 degrees C. The nanoparticles may also be incorporated into a (conceivably sprayable) sensor film.