Unal F., Yucel E., Orsel Z. C., Akyel M. F., ERCAN B.
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS, vol.1036, 2025 (SCI-Expanded)
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Publication Type:
Article / Article
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Volume:
1036
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Publication Date:
2025
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Doi Number:
10.1016/j.jallcom.2025.181885
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Journal Name:
JOURNAL OF ALLOYS AND COMPOUNDS
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Journal Indexes:
Science Citation Index Expanded (SCI-EXPANDED), Scopus, Academic Search Premier, PASCAL, Aerospace Database, Chemical Abstracts Core, Chimica, Communication Abstracts, Compendex, INSPEC, Metadex, Public Affairs Index, Civil Engineering Abstracts
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Keywords:
Core-shell, Magneto-luminescent nanoparticles, Rare earth, Superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, Theranostic nanomaterials
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Middle East Technical University Affiliated:
Yes
Abstract
Magneto-luminescent nanomaterials integrate magnetic control and optical traceability, offering unique advantages for biomedical and photonic applications. In this study, Fe3O4@Yttrium Silicate:Samarium core@shell nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via a modified Stober method and systematically characterized to evaluate their structural, magnetic, optical, and biological performance. X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy confirmed the formation of a crystalline Fe3O4 core surrounded by an amorphous a rare-earth-doped silicate shell. With increasing Sm content, a clear enhancement in photoluminescence intensity and a reduction in optical band gap (down to 4.48 eV for 2.5 % Sm) were observed, indicating optically tunable characteristics of the nanoparticles. Meanwhile, superparamagnetic behavior was retained, although saturation magnetization decreased slightly with higher dopant levels due to 4f-3d orbital interactions. Importantly, in vitro cytocompatibility assessments using L929 fibroblasts revealed no significant difference in cellular viability upon the culture with nanoparticle extracts over 5 days compared to the untreated controls, even at the highest Sm concentration, and SEM imaging demonstrated preserved cellular morphology across all sample groups. These results indicate that the Fe3O4@YS:2.5Sm formulation provides an optimal balance between magnetic functionality, optical performance, and biological safety. This unique combination of properties makes the synthesized nanoparticles potential candidates for advanced theranostic applications, targeted drug delivery, and photonic technologies such as photothermal therapy and optoelectronics. Their ability to simultaneously offer magnetic guidance, optical traceability, and excellent cytocompatibility underscores their potential for use in multifunctional biomedical platforms where performance, precision, and safety are equally critical.