Luminescent and paramagnetic lanthanide based complexes as biological probes and diagnostic imaging agents

Abstract

This thesis entitled "Luminescent and Paramagnetic Lanthanide Based Complexes as Biological Probes and Diagnostic Imaging Agents" is divided into seven chapters. Chapter 1, the introduction, is divided into two sections. The first half begins with an introduction to luminescent sensing, detailing the advantages which the unique photophysical and magnetic properties of the lanthanide metal ions have to offer. In order to highlight the variety of potential applications of these metal ions, a review of some of the more recent lanthanide probes developed to date is presented. The remainder of Chapter 1 gives a brief introduction into the anatomy and physiology of bone structure, specifying the principle cause for microdamage formation.