nLumiTSens proposed a novel hybrid inorganic-organic materials for biologically safe luminescent thermometry at nano-level for medical applications based on silica nanoparticles doped with lanthanide ions and incorporated in cellulose hydrogels. The project is motivated with urgent need of new noninvasive ways to measure the temperature in different medical applications such as cryopreservation of cells or differentiation of the tumor cells via intercellular temperature measurements. The hybrid nature of the martials will exploit through the inorganic part that will be used for luminescence thermometry through the downshifted ratiometric emission and has a potential for further functionalization on the silica surface, and the organic part cellulose which will help in strengthening the biocompatibility of inorganic silica nanoparticles towards the living organism. The molecular luminescent lanthanide part of silica nanoparticles gives the great flexibility in obtaining higher sensitivity thermometers. While the biocompatible cellulose part gives the sustainability of the proposed thermometers through the circular economy. The proposed progress of luminescent thermometers will be used in experiments with freezing/thawing cells in cryogenic to physiological temperature range and in cell differentiation of normal and tumor cells in physiological temperature range.

The achievement of the project goals requires an intensive research activity in different scientific areas, achievable thanks to the multidisciplinary team, and right balance among competitiveness of the expected results, the degree of technological innovation and further development.