Bimodal Nd-doped LuVO4 nanoprobes functionalized with polyacrilic acid for X-ray computed tomography and NIR luminescent imaging

Uniform Nd3+-doped LuVO4 nanophosphors have been synthesized for the first time in literature by using a poliol-basedmethod at 120 C fromNd3+ and vanadate precursors. After optimizing the Nd doping level, these phosphors present intense luminescence in the near-infrared biological windows. The X-ray attenuation capacity of the optimum nanophosphor has been found to be higher than that of a commercial X-ray computed tomography contrast agent. After surface coating with polyacrylic acid, such nanoparticles present high colloidal stability in physiological pHmediumand high cell viability. Because of these properties, the developedNd3+-doped LuVO4 nanoparticles have potential applications as a bimodal probe for NIR luminescent bioimaging and X-ray computed tomography.