Fluoridated HAp:Ln3+ (Ln = Eu or Tb) nanoparticles for cell-imaging.

Water-dispersible hydrophilic fluoridated HAp:Ln(3+) (Ln = Eu or Tb) nanoparticles were prepared via hydrophobic/hydrophilic transformation with surfactants (Pluronic F127). The HAp:Ln(3+) (Ln = Eu or Tb) nanoparticles with unique luminescent properties and excellent biocompatibility are promising for cell imaging applications.