Synthesis, Photoluminescence Properties, and Carcinogenic Cell Imaging of Novel Thulium(III) Complexes

International Journal of Chemistry | Vol. 15, No. 10, October 2024 | pp. 73–80

DOI: 10.46882/2024/IJC/000192

Article Type: Original Research Paper

Title: Synthesis, Photoluminescence Properties, and Carcinogenic Cell Imaging of Novel Thulium(III) Complexes

Names of Authors: A. O. Balogun¹, J. E. Kim²*

Authors’ Affiliations:
¹Department of Chemistry, University of Ilorin, Ilorin, Nigeria.
²Department of Chemistry, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.

Abstract: Rare-earth coordination materials displaying highly sensitive photoluminescent behaviors are increasingly sought for biochemical sensor and cellular imaging fabrications due to their specific emission bands and high signal-to-noise ratios. This study reports the synthesis, material characterization, and analytical sensor optimization of a novel thulium(III) complex using hexafluoroacetylacetone and 1,10-phenanthroline ligands. Structural configurations were verified using elemental analysis, molar conductance, and Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Analytical calculations confirmed a 1:3:1 metal-to-ligand stoichiometric coordination pattern, conforming to the formula [Tm(HFA)₃(phen)]. Molar conductivity tests in acetonitrile confirmed a completely non-electrolytic layout. Photoluminescence scanning at room temperature showed narrow blue emission lines characteristic of the central Tm(III) ion framework. The analytical potential of the complex as a cell-permeable fluorimetric sensor for tracking cancerous cellular structures was evaluated in vitro. The complex demonstrated exceptionally low cytotoxicity and high photostability within cellular networks over extended tracking periods. Fluorescent imaging confirmed distinct accumulation inside target cytoplasmic zones, establishing this coordination matrix as a promising bio-imaging candidate for clinical pathology fields.

Keywords: Thulium complexes; Rare earth elements; Photoluminescence; Fluorimetric sensor; Cell imaging; Coordination chemistry

Manuscript Timeline: Received: May 12, 2023; Revised: June 25, 2023; Accepted: July 18, 2023; Published: October 05, 2024.

Citation: Balogun, A. O., & Kim, J. E. (2024). Synthesis, Photoluminescence Properties, and Carcinogenic Cell Imaging of Novel Thulium(III) Complexes. International Journal of Chemistry, 15(10), 73–80.

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