Eu(III) complex based on nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs loxoprofen as the ligand: A novel low-toxic luminescent material for cell imaging

Abstract Eu(III) 2-{4-[(2-oxocyclopentyl)methyl]phenyl}propanoic acid complex (Eu-LPF), a novel low-toxic luminescent material based on energy transfer between the LPF ligand and Eu3+ ion, was synthesized and characterized by means of elemental analysis, thermogravimetric analyses, and FT-IR spectra. The spectroscopic properties of Eu-LPF were studied using UV–vis absorption spectroscopy and steady/transient state luminescence spectroscopy. Furthermore, the cytotoxicity of Eu-LPF on MCF-7 cells was investigated by MTT assay and flow cytometry. Its biocompatibility and utilization for cell imaging were studied as well. The results showed that Eu-LPF exhibited favorable luminescence properties, low toxicity and good biocompatibility, which endowed Eu-LPF with a potential capability for bioimaging and optical detection.