Enhanced red emission from GdF3:Yb3+,Er3+ upconversion nanocrystals by Li+ doping and their application for bioimaging

Under 980?nm near-infrared (NIR) excitation, upconversion luminescent (UCL) emission of GdF(3):Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) synthesized by a simple and green hydrothermal process can be tuned from yellow to red by varying the concentration of dopant Li(+) ions. A possible mechanism for enhanced red upconverted radiation is proposed. A layer of silica was coated onto the surface of GdF(3):Yb,Er,Li UCNPs to improve their biocompatibility. The silica-coated GdF(3):Yb,Er,Li UCNPs show great advantages in cell labeling and in vivo optical imaging. Moreover, GdF(3) UCNPs also exhibited a positive contrast effect in T(1)-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These results suggest that the GdF(3) UCNPs could act as dual-modality biolabels for optical imaging and MRI.     

基于NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+上转换发光纳米晶的复合微球组装及其光动力活性研究

采用微乳液法,以NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺纳米晶为发光基元,肽菁锌(ZnPc)光敏分子与十八碳烯-马来酸酐共聚物(PMAO)为功能分子,一步组装获得了NaYF₄-ZnPc-PMAO复合微球,此微球同时具备成像与光动力活性功能,NaYF₄可作为低生物背景的荧光成像剂,同时其上转换发光可以敏化ZnPc用于光动力活性研究,PMAO分子经过简单的水解反应即可实现表面羧基功能化。TEM,Zeta电位与PL测试证实了微球的结构与性能。利用荧光共聚焦成像技术实现了对Hela细胞的发光成像;进一步通过单线态氧监测及980 nm光照下的MTT法细胞活性测试表明微球具有光动力活性功能。     

Biocompatible NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles: Colloidal stability and optical properties

Currently, highly luminescent colloidal upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have expanded an increasing interest of researchers because of their facilitating lability in the biomedical/clinical field. In this study, NaYF₄:Yb,Er UCNPs are prepared by eco-friendly metal complexation-based thermal decomposition method at a lower temperature in aqueous media. The phase structure, crystallinity, phase purity, morphology, colloidal dispersibility, surface structure, surface charge, and optical and luminescent properties were evaluated carefully by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), transmission electron microscope (TEM), energy dispersive x-ray analysis (EDX), Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA), zeta potential, Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), UV/visible and photoluminescent spectroscopic techniques. XRD pattern shows a pure single-phase cubic structure with an average grain size of 30–35 nm. TEM and SEM micrographs exhibited irregularly shaped spherical morphologies, porous surface structures highly aggregated UCNPs with the narrow-size distribution. Positive zeta potential has shown value signifying high absorption in the visible region which indicates particle's good colloidal stability in aqueous media. Under NIR-laser light excitation, the UCNPs emit strong UC emission transitions in the visible region. A broad infrared absorption peak of hydroxyl groups (–OH) in FTIR spectrum and mass loss at a lower temperature in TGA verified the surface functionality of UCNPs, with high colloidal stability, and excellent biocompatibility in aqueous media. In terms of their surface characteristics and high luminescent properties, the NaYF₄:Yb,Er UCNPs could be interestingly applied in tagging of biomolecules, drug delivery, proteins labeling, and therapeutic and thermostats applications.     

基于NaYF_4∶Yb~(3+),Er~(3+)上转换发光纳米晶的复合微球组装及其光动力活性

采用微乳液法,以NaYF4∶Yb3+,Er3+纳米晶为发光基元,肽菁锌(Zn Pc)光敏分子与十八碳烯-马来酸酐共聚物(PMAO)为功能分子,一步组装获得了NaYF4-Zn Pc-PMAO复合微球,此微球同时具备成像与光动力活性功能,NaYF4可作为低生物背景的荧光成像剂,同时其上转换发光可以敏化Zn Pc用于光动力活性研究,PMAO分子经过简单的水解反应即可实现表面羧基功能化。TEM,Zeta电位与PL测试证实了微球的结构与性能。利用荧光共聚焦成像技术实现了对Hela细胞的发光成像;进一步通过单线态氧监测及980 nm光照下的MTT法细胞活性测试表明微球具有光动力活性功能。     

A Long-term and Stable Surface Modification Method for Lanthanide Doped Upconversion Nanoparticles by Oxidized Alginate

Lanthanide doped upconversion luminescent nanoparticles (UCNPs) have drawn widely attention in biomedical research. The generally synthesized oleate capped UCNPs have no aqueous dispersibility so that surface modification is required to be water dispersible. Herein, we developed an easy-going but effective approach to prepare hydrophilic UCNPs based on oxidized alginate molecule (OAlg). After surface modification treatment, the OAlg modified UCNPs (UCNPs-OAlg) shows excellent dispersibility and longer stability in aqueous solution even after 180 days. After incubation with UCNPs-OAlg, the upconversion luminescent images of living Hela cells were clearly obtained. It indicated that oxidized alginate modified UCNPs can be candidate for excellent imaging probes in future.     

具有协同表面配体的水溶性稀土上转换发光纳米材料用于活体淋巴结显像

通过水热法,以油酸和两亲性聚乙烯吡咯烷酮(PVP)为协同表面配体,一步水热合成水溶性稀土上转换发光纳米材料(NaYF4:20％ Yb 1％ Tm).稀土纳米粒径尺寸平均为16 nm,在水溶液中稳定单分散,具有较强上转换发光.具有较低的细胞毒性,可用于上转换发光细胞成像.并进一步用于活体淋巴结显像,表现出高的信噪比.     

稀土上转换发光材料标记抗体的制备及在免疫组化中的应用

采用微波辐射法合成了具有上转换发光特性的六方相纳米粒子NaGdF₄: Yb³⁺,Er³⁺(UCNPs), 其晶粒大小约为65 nm, 且粒子在980 nm的激发光下显示绿光(550 nm). 进一步在NaGdF₄: Yb³⁺,Er³⁺纳米晶的表面包覆了一层二氧化硅层, 进行氨基功能化后获得了表面共价结合氨基基团的粒径为70 nm的上转换发光纳米微球NaGdF₄: Yb³⁺,Er³⁺@SiO₂-NH₂(UCNPs@SiO₂-NH₂). 通过共价键将UCNPs@SiO₂-NH₂与多克隆抗体免疫球蛋白联接, 将标记后的多克隆抗体应用于传统的免疫组化检测子宫内膜腺细胞中基质金属蛋白酶组织抑制剂-4(TIMP-4)蛋白的表达. 结果表明, 微波合成的稀土上转换发光纳米材料形貌规则且粒径均一, 包覆硅壳后材料具有良好的分散性和水溶性, 荧光强度高且稳定, 在980 nm激发光下对生物组织无背景荧光, 可以很好地检测组织中蛋白质的表达.     

Multicolor output and shape controlled synthesis of lanthanide-ion doped fluorides upconversion nanoparticles

A general and facile approach for tailoring the multicolor output and shapes of lanthanide-ion doped fluoride upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) within a given composition is presented. By adjusting the temperature and time in the thermolysis procedure, the color output and shapes of NaYF(4):20%Yb, 2%Er UCNPs can be readily manipulated. The nanoparticles were characterized through the use of transmission electron microscopy (TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (XRD) and upconversion luminescence spectroscopy. It is shown that the relative intensities of green emissions gradually increased with the rise of temperature and prolongation of growth time under excitation of 980 nm, which resulted in multicolor output of NaYF(4):20%Yb, 2%Er UCNPs. Simultaneously, the shapes for UCNPs can also be controlled. TEM images, estimated micro-stress by Williamson-Hall methodology and a series of control experiments and analyses reveal that crystallinity is mainly responsible for the multicolor output of UCNPs. Based on the above method, the tailoring of color output is also successfully realized in Ho(3+) and Tm(3+) ions. It is expected that this method may be used to tune the physical properties of other nanoparticles, and these multicolored UCNPs are promising for applications in multiplexed bioimaging, biodetection, display, other optical technologies, etc.     

Efficient photopolymerization of thick pigmented systems using upconversion nanoparticles‐assisted photochemistry

Photopolymerization of thick pigmented systems still remains challenging due to the light screening effect of the pigments. Here, we present a facile method based on upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs)‐assisted photochemistry to achieve efficient photopolymerization and improved curing depth of pigmented systems. Under a 980‐nm laser irradiation, UCNPs are able to convert NIR light into UV and visible light to activate photoinitiators for the initiation of polymerization. Influencing factors on photopolymerization were systematically investigated. With optimal parameters, 25.5 mm of photopolymerization depth combined with 70% of maximal double bond conversion was obtained. The peak temperature of 120.4 °C during UCNPs‐assisted photopolymerization is comparable with or lower than that of some reported frontal photopolymerization applied to prepare functional composite polymeric materials. Both indentation hardness and reduced modulus of the photocured materials using UCNPs as internal lamps were higher than those of the reference cured under traditional blue LED light. © 2018 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Polym. Sci., Part A: Polym. Chem. 2018 , 56, 994–1002     

Synthesis and surface modification of ultrasmall monodisperse NaYF4:Yb3+/Tm3+ upconversion nanoparticles

The emerging upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) have gained substantial consideration in the field of bioanalytical as well as diagnostic applications. Therefore, great progress has been made in the synthesis and surface modification of luminescent UCNPs over the last two decades. In this paper, we have reported monodispersed and high luminescent upconversion nanoparticles NaYF₄: 20%Yb³⁺, 2%Tm³⁺ have been synthesized using a solvothermal method, followed by a coating of the NaYF₄ shell with a thin layer of SiO₂ on the surface to afford the core-shell NaYF₄:Yb³⁺, Tm³⁺@SiO₂ nanoparticles (NP@SiO₂). The prepared nanoparticles were of strong upconversion fluorescent emission intensity, hexagonal phase, and with an average size of about 8 ± 1 nm, which have been characterized by luminescence spectroscopy, powder X-ray diffraction (P-XRD), Dynamic light scattering (DLS), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results indicate that the NP@SiO₂ can be used for the conjugation of fluorescent probes for various biomolecules and can find applications in cancer cell imaging and disease diagnosis.     

超细YF_3与GdF_3纳米晶的合成及其上转换发光

当使用液固溶法(LSS法)制备分散性纳米晶时,将传统油酸/油酸钠/酒精反应体系中的NaOH用氨水取代时,氨水将会与油酸形成新的表面活性剂油酸铵,这样就可以合成各种超细分散性的REF3纳米晶(RE代表稀土元素)。在这种新的反应体系中,合成了平均直径小于10 nm的YF3和GdF3超细颗粒,X射线与透射电镜测试表明YF3是正交相,而GdF3是面心立方结构,空间群为Fm3m,晶格常数为0.582 9 nm。在980 nm半导体激光器激发下,可检测到YF3∶Yb/Er在515~570 nm处有较强的绿色发光峰、645~675 nm处有较强的红色发光峰,呈橙色发光。YF3∶Yb/Tm和GdF3∶Yb/Tm样品在460~490 nm处有较强的蓝色发光峰,而在800 nm附近有更强的近红外发光峰。由于其超细的尺寸及红外上转换发光特性,合成的样品在生物成像、生物标签等方面有潜在的应用价值。     

超细YF3与GdF3纳米晶的合成及其上转换发光

当使用液固溶法（LSS法）制备分散性纳米晶时,将传统油酸/油酸钠/酒精反应体系中的NaOH用氨水取代时,氨水将会与油酸形成新的表面活性剂油酸铵,这样就可以合成各种超细分散性的REF₃纳米晶（RE代表稀土元素）。在这种新的反应体系中,合成了平均直径小于10nm的YF₃和GdF₃超细颗粒,X射线与透射电镜测试表明YF₃是正交相,而GdF₃是面心立方结构,空间群为Fm3m,晶格常数为0.5829nm。在980nm半导体激光器激发下,可检测到YF₃：Yb/Er在515~570nm处有较强的绿色发光峰、645~675nm处有较强的红色发光峰,呈橙色发光。YF：Yb/Tm和GdF₃：Yb/Tm样品在460~490nm处有较强的蓝色发光峰,而在800nm附近有更强的近红外发光峰。由于其超细的尺寸及红外上转换发光特性,合成的样品在生物成像,生物标签等方面有潜在的应用价值。     

Microstructure and luminescence of transparent glass ceramic containing Er:BaF2 nano-crystals

Transparent BaF₂-SiO₂ glass ceramics doped with different content of Er³⁺ were prepared by sol-gel method. The microstructural evolution of the samples was studied with X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscope (TEM), absorption and infrared spectra (IR). BaF₂ nano-crystals with 2-15 nm in size, depending on the crystallization temperature, distributed homogeneously among the amorphous silica matrix. The BaF₂ lattice parameters decreased with the increasing of Er³⁺ doping, indicating the incorporation of Er³⁺ into nano-crystals, which was further confirmed by energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS) and absorption spectra analysis. The upconversion emissions of Er³⁺ emerged under the excitation at 980 nm for glass ceramic heat-treated at 800 °C.     

An Upconversion Nanoparticle with Orthogonal Emissions Using Dual NIR Excitations for Controlled Two‐Way Photoswitching

Developing multicolor upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with the capability of regulating their emission wavelengths in the UV to visible range in response to external stimuli can offer more dynamic platforms for applications in high‐resolution bioimaging, multicolor barcoding, and driving multiple important photochemical reactions, such as photoswitching. Here, we have rationally designed single‐crystal core–shell‐structured UCNPs which are capable of orthogonal UV and visible emissions in response to two distinct NIR excitations at 808 and 980 nm. The orthogonal excitation–emission properties of such UCNPs, as well as their ability to utilize low‐power excitation, which attenuates any local heating from the lasers, endows the UCNPs with great potential for applications in materials and biological settings. As a proof of concept, the use of this UCNP for the efficient regulation of the two‐way photoswitching of spiropyran by using dual wavelengths of NIR irradiation has been demonstrated.     

Novel microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis of NaYF4:Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles and their application in cancer cell imaging

This work reports the novel microwave-assisted solvothermal synthesis and structural, topographic, spectroscopic characterization of NaYF(4):Yb,Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as well as their application in the labeling of HeLa cells. The nanoparticles were prepared in ethylene glycol, with rare earth acetates as precursor and NH(4)F and NaCl as the fluorine and sodium sources. X-ray diffraction, transmission electron microscopy, and luminescence spectroscopy were applied to characterize the nanoparticles. Experimental results showed that the microwave-assisted solvothermal method is an effective approach to create highly crystalline, strongly luminescent UCNPs at a lower temperature (160 °C) and within a significantly shortened reaction time (only 1 h) compared to the traditional methods. The effect of fluorine source on the optical properties of UCNPs was investigated by using NH(4)F, NH(4)HF(2), NaF, and 1-butyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate (BmimBF(4)) as different fluorine sources; NH(4)F proved to be the best one, making the luminescent intensity increase at least 2 orders of magnitude. The UCNPs with four different colors (green, yellow, orange, and cyan) were successfully obtained. After being modified with amino groups and coupled with CEA-8 antibody, the obtained nanoparticles were successfully applied in the specific fluorescent immunolabeling and imaging of HeLa cells to further verify their function as a marker in immunolabeling.     

One‐Pot Template‐Free Synthesis of NaYF4 Upconversion Hollow Nanospheres for Bioimaging and Drug Delivery

Hollow‐structured nanomaterials with fluorescent properties are extremely attractive for image‐guided cancer therapy. In this paper, sub‐100 nm and hydrophilic NaYF₄ upconversion (UC) hollow nanospheres (HNSs) with multicolor UC luminescence and drug‐delivery properties were successfully prepared by a facile one‐pot template‐free hydrothermal route using polyetherimide (PEI) polymer as the stabilizing agent. XRD, SEM, TEM, and N₂‐adsorption/desorption were used to characterize the as‐obtained products. The growth mechanism of the HNSs has been systematically investigated on the basis of the Ostwald ripening. Under 980 nm excitation, UC emissions of HNSs can be tuned by a simple change of the concentration or combination of various upconverters. As a result, the PEI‐coated HNSs could be used as efficient probes for in vitro upconversion luminescence (UCL) cell imaging. Furthermore, a doxorubicin storage/release behavior and cancer‐cell‐killing ability investigation reveal that the product has the potential to be a drug carrier for cancer therapy.     

Near‐Infrared Photoinduced Coupling Reactions Assisted by Upconversion Nanoparticles

We introduce nitrile imine‐mediated tetrazole–ene cycloadditions (NITEC) in the presence of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as a powerful covalent coupling tool. When a pyrene aryl tetrazole derivative (λ_{abs, max}=346 nm) and UCNPs are irradiated with near‐infrared light at 974 nm, rapid conversion of the tetrazole into a reactive nitrile imine occurs. In the presence of an electron‐deficient double bond, quantitative conversion into a pyrazoline cycloadduct is observed under ambient conditions. The combination of NITEC and UCNP technology is used for small‐molecule cycloadditions, polymer end‐group modification, and the formation of block copolymers from functional macromolecular precursors, constituting the first example of a NIR‐induced cycloaddition. To show the potential for in vivo applications, through‐tissue experiments with a biologically relevant biotin species were carried out. Quantitative cycloadditions and retention of the biological activity of the biotin units are possible at 974 nm irradiation.     

NIR triggered NaYF4:Yb3+,Tm3+@NaYF4/CsPb(Br1-x/Ix)3 composite for up-converted white-light emission and dual-model anti-counterfeiting applications

Assembling nanomaterials from two classes with exceptional control at the nanoscale can lead to new nanohybrids with novel properties. Here, we report the tunable up-conversion luminescence properties of CsPb(Br_1-x/I_x)₃ perovskite nanocrystals (PeNCs) sensitized by NaYF₄:Yb,Tm@NaYF₄ up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) at 980 nm excitation. The up-conversion luminescence of NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺@NaYF₄/CsPb(Br_1-x/I_x)₃ composite demonstrates that the radiative photon reabsorption process is accountable for the UC energy transfer from excited levels of Tm³⁺-based UCNPs to PeNCs. The long-lived Tm³⁺ states feed PeNCs carriers with intrinsic lifetimes extending from nanoseconds to microseconds. By varying the UCNPs/PeNCs concentration ratio, the NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺@NaYF₄/CsPb(Br_0.55I_0.45)₃ composite generates UC white light emission. The near-infrared excited white light-emitting devices are more compatible with human tissues than blue light-excited ones. Therefore, the prototype of UC white light-emitting diode is developed by coupling the UCNPs/PeNCs composite coated glass plate onto a commercial 940 nm-light-emitting diode chip. To overcome the counterfeiting risk that arises in the case of a single fluorescence mode, we developed a simple dual-model strategy based on manipulation of UC and down-conversion luminescence in anti-counterfeiting under 980 nm and 365 nm excitation, which makes it difficult to encrypt the information. In addition, the UCNPs/PeNCs composite exhibited better photostability under near-infrared illumination, retaining 85% of initial photoluminescence intensity, solving the problem of photo-instability.     

Dual-color upconversion fluorescence and aptamer-functionalized magnetic nanoparticles-based bioassay for the simultaneous detection of Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus

A sensitive luminescent bioassay for the simultaneous detection of Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus was developed using aptamer-conjugated magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) for both recognition and concentration elements and using upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as highly sensitive dual-color labels. The bioassay system was fabricated by immobilizing aptamer 1 and aptamer 2 onto the surface of MNPs, which were employed to capture and concentrate S. Typhimurium and S. aureus. NaY_0.78F₄:Yb_0.2,Tm_0.02 UCNPs modified aptamer 1 and NaY_0.28F₄:Yb_0.70,Er_0.02 UCNPs modified aptamer 2 further were bond onto the captured bacteria surface to form sandwich-type complexes. Under optimal conditions, the correlation between the concentration of S. Typhimurium and the luminescent signal was found to be linear within the range of 10¹–10⁵ cfu mL⁻¹ (R² = 0.9964), and the signal was in the range of 10¹–10⁵ cfu mL⁻¹ (R² = 0.9936) for S. aureus. The limits of detection of the developed method were found to be 5 and 8 cfu mL⁻¹ for S. Typhimurium and S. aureus, respectively. The ability of the bioassay to detect S. Typhimurium and S. aureus in real water samples was also investigated, and the results were compared to the experimental results from the plate-counting methods. Improved by the magnetic separation and concentration effect of MNPs, the high sensitivity of UCNPs, and the different emission lines of Yb/Er- and Yb/Tm-doped NaYF₄ UCNPs excited by a 980 nm laser, the present method performs with both high sensitivity and selectivity for the two different types of bacteria.     

Monodisperse Dual‐Functional Upconversion Nanoparticles Enabled Near‐Infrared Organolead Halide Perovskite Solar Cells

Extending the spectral absorption of organolead halide perovskite solar cells from visible into near‐infrared (NIR) range renders the minimization of non‐absorption loss of solar photons with improved energy alignment. Herein, we report on, for the first time, a viable strategy of capitalizing on judiciously synthesized monodisperse NaYF₄:Yb/Er upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as the mesoporous electrode for CH₃NH₃PbI₃ perovskite solar cells and more importantly confer perovskite solar cells to be operative under NIR light. Uniform NaYF₄:Yb/Er UCNPs are first crafted by employing rationally designed double hydrophilic star‐like poly(acrylic acid)‐block‐poly(ethylene oxide) (PAA‐b‐PEO) diblock copolymer as nanoreactor, imparting the solubility of UCNPs and the tunability of film porosity during the manufacturing process. The subsequent incorporation of NaYF₄:Yb/Er UCNPs as the mesoporous electrode led to a high efficiency of 17.8 %, which was further increased to 18.1 % upon NIR irradiation. The in situ integration of upconversion materials as functional components of perovskite solar cells offers the expanded flexibility for engineering the device architecture and broadening the solar spectral use.