Structural insights in Dy ³⁺ ‐doped β‐Tricalcium phosphate and its multimodal imaging characteristics

Abstract

Abstract A series of Dysprosium (Dy 3+ ) doped β‐Tricalcium phosphate [β‐ TCP , β‐Ca 3 ( PO 4 ) 2 ] were developed for applications in magnetic resonance imaging ( MRI ) and computed tomography ( CT ). Characterization studies confirmed the Dy 3+ occupancy at Ca 2+ (1), Ca 2+ (2), and Ca 2+ (3) lattice sites of β‐Ca 3 ( PO 4 ) 2 and its substitution limit was determined as 4.35 mol%. The transitions from the 6 H 15/2 ground state to various excited energy levels is validated by the characteristic absorption peaks of Dy 3+ . Luminescence studies inferred two intense bands at 480 and 572 nm due to 4 F 9/2 → 6 H 15/2 (blue) and 4 F 9/2 → 6 H 13/2 (yellow) transitions of Dy 3+ . The paramagnetic and nontoxic behavior of Dy 3+ ‐doped β‐Ca 3 ( PO 4 ) 2 were confirmed from magnetic and MTT tests, respectively. Dy 3+ in the host induces a high X‐ray absorption ability for X‐ray computed tomography ( CT ) and showed efficient contrast T 2 ‐enhancing modality. Thus the proposed system could be used as a promising probe for multimodality with optical imaging, computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging.