Upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) is a new type of phosphorescent material. Since its first appearance in the mid-20th century, it has been regarded as an excellent alternative to traditional fluorescence due to its unique upconversion properties and has attracted extensive scientific research interest. This material is doped with rare earth elements and can absorb low-energy photons and convert them into high-energy photon emission, a phenomenon known as upconversion luminescence.
Upconverting Nanoparticles Products List
PEG Amino Coated Upconverting Nanoparticles
PEG Carboxyl Coated Upconverting Nanoparticles
Dense Silica Amino Coated Upconverting Nanoparticles
Dense Silica Carboxyl 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
Due to their suitable size distribution and biocompatibility, UCNPs can be combined with various biomolecules and thus find applications in many fields such as biological detection and treatment. For example, they can serve as excellent molecular probes in biological detection experiments and can be used in optical imaging and therapy. In addition, the unique optical properties of UCNPs, such as significant luminescence properties and deep penetration into biological tissues, make it possible to perform deep tissue imaging without damaging cells.
The structure of UCNPs usually consists of two parts: core and shell.
The core part is usually composed of NaYF4 crystal matrix and doped rare earth metal ions. In these cores, common doping ions include Yb3+ (yttrium ytterbium) and Er3+ (erbium), among which Yb3+ ions are mainly responsible for absorbing near-infrared light (such as 980 nm light), and then transferring the absorbed energy to Er3+ ions to achieve Upconversion glow. This structure not only helps convert low-energy-level light into high-energy-level light, but also enhances luminescence performance.
The shell part is usually made of NaYF4 material. Its main function is to protect the core, stabilize the structure of UCNP, and in some cases further enhance the luminescence performance. The addition of the shell can effectively protect the core from interference from the external environment, and it is also possible to optimize the luminous efficiency through the design of the core-shell structure.
This special core-shell structure not only improves the optical properties of UCNPs, but also provides possibilities for their applications in biomedicine, optoelectronics and other fields. For example, it is endowed with water solubility through hydrophilic and hydrophobic assembly, allowing it to be stably dispersed in water, which is particularly important for biomedical applications. In addition, by selecting appropriate energy acceptors, such as chlorin, fluorescence energy resonance transfer can be achieved, further expanding the application potential of UCNPs in fields such as energy conversion and phototherapy
The preparation method of upconversion nanoparticles is relatively simple, has no strict requirements on synthesis conditions, has good reproducibility and low cost. These characteristics make UCNPs have broad application prospects in the biomedical field. For example, they can be used as media in optogenetic technology to achieve precise manipulation of nerve cells wirelessly, which is of great significance in neuroscience research. In addition, UCNPs have also been explored as vectors for DNA vaccines, and in this way, UCNPs have shown great potential in disease treatment and immune response induction.
Recent research on upconversion nanoparticles has focused on tumor treatment and bioanalytical applications.
Research progress in photodynamic therapy of tumors: Some researchers have published research papers on spatiotemporally controllable gene regulation strategies for combined tumor treatment. This study developed a spatiotemporally controllable dual-activation nanoplatform named URMT to achieve near-infrared light-activated photodynamic therapy, thereby triggering enzyme-activated gene expression regulation in tumors, achieving highly spatiotemporally controllable PDT combined with gene therapy, and exerting an anti-tumor effect.
Synthesis of rare earth-doped up-conversion luminescent nanoparticles and their application in bioanalysis: Research focuses on the synthesis of rare-earth-doped up-conversion luminescent nanoparticles and their application in bioanalysis. These nanoparticles convert low-frequency excitation light into high-frequency emission light through a two-photon or multi-photon mechanism, and have the advantages of low toxicity, good stability, high luminescence intensity, and large Stokes shift. In particular, Yb3+-Er3+, Yb3+-Tm3+ ion-doped β-NaYF4 up-conversion materials are considered to have the highest luminescence efficiency among all up-conversion materials. Nanoparticles synthesized by the solvothermal method have the advantages of smaller particle size, purer crystal form, and high luminescence intensity, and are more advantageous in applications such as biomarkers.
Nanoparticle Delivery Combination Therapies: Researchers have designed a lipid-based nanoparticle that can effectively deliver payloads into the difficult-to-penetrate tumor microenvironment. By encapsulating STING agonists and TLR4 agonists, the delivery mechanism of nanoparticles is used to stimulate the generation of anti-tumor immune responses. Additionally, combining MEK inhibitors and CDK4/6 inhibitors with immune nanoparticle therapy further enhanced nanoparticle uptake and biodistribution in the tumor environment.
Related Product & Service
Upconverting Nanoparticles
