All about Upconverting Nanoparticles

All about Upconverting Nanoparticles

Upconverting nanomaterials are a special type of nanomaterials that have upconverting luminescence properties, which means they are able to absorb low-energy photons and merge them into a high-energy photon, producing visible or near-infrared light emission. UCNPS have a wide range of applications in multiple fields, including biomedicine, bioimaging, biolabeling, sensing technology, and photocatalysis.

Inquiry Now

• Definition
• Features
• Products
• Applications
• Services
• Qualifications
• FAQs
• Online Inquiry

What is Upconverting Nanoparticle?

Upconverting Nanoparticles (UCNPs) are nanoscale particles (1-100 nm in diameter) that exhibit photon upconversion. In photon upconversion, two or more incident photons of relatively low energy are absorbed and converted into one emitted photon of higher energy. Typically, absorption occurs in the infrared, while emission occurs in the visible or ultraviolet region of the electromagnetic spectrum.

What are the Features of Upconverting Nanoparticles?

‌Unique Optical Properties‌

Upconverting nanomaterials can emit ultraviolet or visible light under near-infrared light excitation, a phenomenon known as upconversion luminescence. ‌

‌Chemical and Photostability‌

Upconverting nanomaterials have excellent chemical and photostability and can maintain their optical properties in harsh environments.

Diverse Synthesis Methods

There are various synthesis methods for upconverting nanomaterials and nanomaterials with different morphologies and sizes can be synthesized‌.

Easy to Surface Modify‌

In order to adapt to specific research or application needs, upconverting nanomaterials usually need to be surface modified or functionalized.

Upconverting Nanoparticles Products List

PEG Amino Coated Upconverting Nanoparticles

PEG Carboxyl Coated Upconverting Nanoparticles

Dense Silica Amino Coated Upconverting Nanoparticles

Mesoporous Silica Coated Upconverting Nanoparticles

Dense Silica Coated Upconverting Nanoparticles

PEG Coated Upconverting Nanoparticles

Ligand-Free Upconverting Nanoparticles

Oil Dispersible Upconverting Nanoparticles

Oil Dispersible Core-shell Upconverting Nanoparticles

Dense Silica Carboxyl Coated Upconverting Nanoparticles

What are the Applications of Upconverting Nanoparticles?

Bioimaging

Bioimaging using upconverting nanoparticles Laser excitation of UCNPs within a sample and then detection of the emitted frequency doubled light.

‌Biosensors and Temperature Sensors

Upconverting nanoparticles have been used as nanothermometers to detect temperature differences within cells, allowing for simultaneous detection of different species.

‌Drug Release and Delivery

Upconverting nanoparticles have a variety of drug delivery systems. Upconverting nanoparticles can also be used in photothermal therapy to destroy targets through heat.

‌Super-resolution Imaging

Upconverting nanoparticles can be used to achieve high-resolution imaging in STED microscopy.

‌Upconversion Lasing

Lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticle nanocrystals have been effectively used to achieve UV to near-infrared lasing within microcavities.

‌Photoswitching

Lanthanide-doped upconverting nanoparticles have been used as remote-controlled photoswitches.

Our Services for Nanomaterials

Alfa Chemistry is dedicated to advancing the field of nanomaterials through our comprehensive suite of services.

Custom Synthesis

Process R&D

Nanomaterials Synthesis

Nanomaterials Analysis and Research

Nanomaterial Application Services

Why Alfa Chemistry?

ISO 9001:2015

Alfa Chemistry is ISO 9001:2015 certified and focuses on collaboration and partnership.

Quality Assurance (QA)

Alfa Chemistry's QA (Quality Assurance) department oversees all production and quality systems.

Quality Control (QC)

Alfa Chemistry's QC (Quality Control) department ensures predetermined standards.

Question and Answer

What are the applications of upconverting nanoparticles in the biomedical field?

Bioimaging: High-sensitivity tumor imaging and lymphatic system tracking in deep tissues become possible through visible or ultraviolet light generation from near-infrared light without any background fluorescence interference and with excellent penetration capabilities.
Tumor treatment: Photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) directly destroy cancer cells or activate photosensitizers to deliver near-infrared light-induced targeted therapy.
Drug delivery: Through surface modification with PEG and silica shell coating we construct multifunctional carriers that enable targeted transportation of chemotherapy drugs and imaging-guided controlled release.
Biosensing and detection: Researchers use fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) and surface functionalization methods like DNA modification to achieve highly sensitive detection of mercury ions along with biothiols and other molecules.

What should be paid attention to in the synthesis of upconverting nanoparticles?

Matrix selection: The fluoride matrix remains the top choice because of its exceptional luminescence efficiency and the hexagonal phase delivers superior luminescence performance compared to the cubic phase.
Doping regulation: Optimizing the co-doping ratio of rare earth ions is essential.
Synthesis method: The hydrothermal method along with solvothermal and sol-gel methods represent the standard approaches used in synthesis. Controlling particle size and dispersibility to prevent high-temperature aggregation involves modifying the solvent type, chelating agent and reaction temperature.
Crystal phase and morphology: The crystal phase influences luminescence color and intensity control through annealing temperature and template technology while morphology alters surface hydrophilicity and functional properties.
Surface modification: Biological applications require that hydrophobic materials undergo treatment processes to achieve improved water solubility.
Performance optimization: Transition metal ions and plasma resonance introduction helps decrease thermal effects while improving luminescence efficiency.

What are the precautions for upconverting nanoparticles storage?

Surface stability and coating treatment: The core-shell structure can significantly improve stability and prevent photoelectrons or active sites from being deactivated due to oxidation or environmental factors.
Environmental control: The storage environment needs to be light-proof, dry and isolated from oxygen to prevent electron-hole recombination or oxidation reactions caused by light excitation.
Dispersion medium selection: Use buffer or non-polar solvent as the dispersion medium to prevent polar solvent-induced phase change or decomposition.
Avoid mechanical stress and contamination: Ultrasonic treatment may destroy the nanostructure, and it needs to be left to stand before long-term storage to reduce physical disturbance.

What are the precautions for using upconverting nanoparticles?

When using upconverting nanoparticles, pay attention to: strictly control the annealing temperature and time to avoid parameter oscillation leading to unstable performance; optimize the magnetron sputtering process to adjust the Bi/Te layer structure, reduce lattice defects and enhance phonon scattering; pay attention to the influence of quantum size effect on thermoelectric parameters, such as the carrier concentration is inversely proportional to the Seebeck coefficient, and balance the electrical conductivity and thermal conductivity to improve the overall performance.

※ Please kindly note that our products and services are for research use only.