Multifunctional GdVO:Eu core-shell nanoparticles containing Ac for targeted alpha therapy and molecular imaging.

Gadolinium vanadate nanoparticles (NPs) doped with europium, in concentrations between 5-40%, were synthesized via an aqueous route to prove their multimodal imaging functionalities and their performance as radionuclide carriers for targeted alpha therapy. Core-shell GdEuVO NPs were doped with the α-emitting actinium-225 to assess the in vitro retention of Ac and its decay daughters; francium-221 and bismuth-213. GdEuVO core-shell NPs were obtained using a precipitation synthesis route having a tetragonal system, a spherical morphology, and a uniform particle size distribution. GdEuVO core-shell NPs displayed the characteristic intense emission at 618 nm (red) and paramagnetic behavior of Eu and Gd cations, respectively. Partial retention of radionuclides was obtained with GdEuVO core NPs, while deposition of two nonradioactive GdEuVO shells significantly decreased the leakage of both Ac and Fr. The luminescence and magnetic functionalities as well as radionuclide retention capabilities of GdEuVO core-shell NPs demonstrate their potential for biomedical applications.