Imaging methods provide crucial understanding of the uptake and distribution processes of biodegradable ZnO doped Eu3+ nanoparticles in living organism

Oxide nanoparticles (NPs) doped with rare-earth ions are tested for applications as nanomarkers in biology. The aim of this study was to investigate the intra-organism distribution of ZnO nanoparticles doped with europium following gastric gavage (IG) in mice. The study is an example of the innovative and comprehensive methodology in research on biodistribution of nanomaterials in the body. We used quantitative (AAS) and imaging (scanning cytometry, confocal microscope) methods of assessing the distribution of rare-earth doped ZnO nanoparticles in the living organism. Visualization of these processes in the body was possible because of high fluorescence yield of europium. Imaging methods applied in this study (scanning cytometry and confocal microscopy) seem to be crucial for understanding the uptake and distribution patterns of nanoparticles within the living organism.