Functionalized luminescent oxide nanoparticles as biological probes

Synthesis and functionalization of nanoparticles of yttrium vanadate doped with europium is described. Synthesis of yttrium vanadate leads to ovoid nanoparticles, with average length and width respectively of 30 and 18 nm. Dispersion of these nanoparticles in solution is achieved through the adsorption of silicate ions that increase the surface potential. The nanoparticles are then functionalized by encapsulation with an epoxysilane (glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane). The functionalization is controlled by ²⁹Si MAS NMR and thermal analysis, whereas a partial opening of the epoxy rings is evidenced by ¹³C MAS NMR. As an example of application, guanidinium groups were grafted to ensure the specific interactions of the particles with sodium channels of a cell membrane.