Ultra-luminescent lanthanide nanoparticles containing terbium with longer excited state lifetime

摘要

The present invention provides luminescent lanthanide nanoparticles having improved luminous intensity and increased excited state lifetime at the same time. These nanoparticles contain terbium ions and second lanthanide ions, preferably europium, and are coated with molecules of colored ligands bound to the surface of the nanoparticles. The ligand is an organic molecule comprising at least one chromophore radical of Formula I or Formula II: In the above formula, R is selected from H, CN or COOH group. The phosphorescent excited state lifetime is improved by energy transfer of the second lanthanide from the surface terbium ions to the core ions. The nanoparticle may further comprise a carrier molecule of analytical interest covalently attached to at least one ligand molecule.