Rational design and biomedical applications of DNA-functionalized upconversion nanoparticles

Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) offer unique advantages in term of low autofluorescence, high signal-to-noise ratio and deep tissue penetration, and have attracted considerable attention in biomedical applications. DNA, beyond the properties of self-assembly, also exhibits multiple functions such as molecular recognition, drug loading capacity and therapeutic effect. In this regard, the combination of UCNPs and DNA offers a promising and powerful platform for potential applications in biosensing, bioimaging and disease therapy. In this review, we mainly introduce recent progresses of DNA-functionalized upconversion materials, providing an overview of the design and applications in biosensing, bioimaging and therapy. The challenges and future perspectives are also discussed, aiming to promote their applications in material science and biomedicine.