In vitro and in vivo uncaging and bioluminescence imaging by using photocaged upconversion nanoparticles

Gadolinium oxysulfide nanoparticles as multimodal imaging agents for T2-weighted MR, X-ray tomography and photoluminescence

We have synthesized gadolinium oxysulfide nanoparticles (NPs) doped with other lanthanides (Eu(3+), Er(3+), Yb(3+)) via a hydroxycarbonate precursor precipitation route followed by a sulfuration process under a H2S-Ar atmosphere at 750 °C in order to propose new multimodal nanoplatforms for Magnetic Resonance (MR), X-ray and photoluminescence imaging. Gd2O2S:Eu(3+) NPs strongly absorb near UV (≈ 300-400 nm) and re-emit strong red light (624 nm). They can be easily internalized by cancer cells, and imaged by epifluorescence microscopy under excitation in the NUV (365 nm). They are not cytotoxic for living cells up to 100 μg mL(-1). Consequently, they are well adapted for in vitro imaging on cell cultures. Gd2O2S:Eu(3+) NPs also show strong transverse relaxivity and strong X-ray absorption allowing their use as contrast agents for T2-weighted MRI and X-ray tomography. Our study shows that Gd2O2S:Eu(3+) NPs are considerably better than commercial Ferumoxtran-10 NPs as negative contrast agents for MRI. Upconversion emission of Gd2O2S:Er; Yb (1; 8%) NPs under infrared excitation (λ(ex) = 980 nm) shows mainly red emission (≈ 650-680 nm). Consequently, they are more specifically designed for in vivo deep fluorescence imaging, because both excitation and emission are located inside the "transparency window" of biological tissues (650-1200 nm). Magnetic relaxivity and X-ray absorption behaviors of Gd2O2S:Er; Yb NPs are almost similar to Gd2O2S:Eu(3+) NPs.

Stokes emission in GdF₃:Nd³⁺ nanoparticles for bioimaging probes

There is increasing interest in rare earth (RE) doped nanoparticles (NPs) due to their sharp absorption and photoluminescence (PL) in the near infrared (NIR) spectral region. These NIR based nanoparticles (NPs) could allow biological imaging at substantial depths with enhanced contrast and high spatial resolution due to the absence of auto fluorescence in biological samples under infrared excitation. Here, we present the highly efficient infrared photoluminescence in GdF₃:Nd(3+) nanoparticles under 800 nm excitation within the hydrodynamic size limitations for bio-applications. The downconversion (Stokes emission) absolute quantum yields (QY) in powder, polymaleic anhydride-alt-1-octadicene (PMAO) coated powder and colloidal solutions have been investigated. QY measurements have revealed that downconversion (Stokes emission) QYs of approximately 5 ± 2 nm sized GdF₃:1% Nd(3+) colloidal NPs are 2000 times higher than those of efficient upconversion (UC) particles NaYF₄:20% Er/2% Yb of the same size. Furthermore, the utility of these NIR emitting nanoparticles for bioimaging probes has been demonstrated by confocal imaging and spectroscopic study.

Near-infrared light-responsive nanomaterials in cancer therapeutics

Near-infrared light sensitive nanomaterials provide ideal nanoplatforms in site specific noninvasive cancer therapy.

A simple and efficient synthetic route for preparation of NaYF4 upconversion nanoparticles by thermo-decomposition of rare-earth oleates

A two-step synthetic route for fabrication of hexagonal-phase NaYF₄ and NaYF₄-based nano-phosphors based on thermal decomposition of their corresponding oleate precursors is provided and systematically investigated.

Effects of surroundings on upconversion luminescent properties of rare earth luminescence centers

A special core/shell/shell structured nanoparticle NaYF₄/NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺/NaYF₄ was designed and prepared to accurately investigate the effect of surroundings on rare earth centers.

Multifunctional upconverting nanoparticles for near-infrared triggered and synergistic antibacterial resistance therapy

A novel nanomaterial with CuS nanoparticles decorated onto the surface of NaYF₄:Mn/Yb/Er@photosensitizer doped SiO₂ was synthesized for synergistic multidrug-resistant bacteria therapy.

Salt-assisted rapid transformation of NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ nanocrystals from cubic to hexagonal

High-quality hexagonal nanocrystals (β-NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺) were prepared through one-pot mild solvothermal synthesis. The crystal structure of NaYF₄:Yb³⁺,Er³⁺ can be controlled by changing the molar ratio of phosphate to Ln³⁺ (Ln³⁺ represents the total amount of Y³⁺ and the doped rare earth elements such as Yb³⁺, Er³⁺).

Aptamer-directed synthesis of multifunctional lanthanide-doped porous nanoprobes for targeted imaging and drug delivery

Multifunctional lanthanide-doped porous nanoparticles are prepared via a facile one-step solvothermal route by employing aptamers as the biotemplate. The nanoparticles feature excellent aqueous dispersibility and biospecific properties and could work as effective nanoprobes for targeted imaging and drug delivery. With aptamer being in principle available for any kind of target, this synthetic strategy may open the door to a new generation of nanoprobes for bioapplications such as time-resolved biodetection, multimode bioimaging/biolabeling, and targeted cancer therapy.

Photouncaging nanoparticles for MRI and fluorescence imaging in vitro and in vivo

Multimodal and multifunctional nanomaterials are promising candidates for bioimaging and therapeutic applications in the nanomedicine settings. Here we report the preparation of photouncaging nanoparticles with fluorescence and magnetic modalities and evaluation of their potentials for in vitro and in vivo bioimaging. Photoactivation of such bimodal nanoparticles prepared using photouncaging ligands, CdSe/ZnS quantum dots, and super paramagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles results in the systematic uncaging of the particles, which is correlated with continuous changes in the absorption, mass and NMR spectra of the ligands. Fluorescence and magnetic components of the bimodal nanoparticles are characterized using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and elemental analyses using energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) spectroscopy and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Bioconjugation of the nanoparticles with peptide hormones renders them with biocompatibility and efficient intracellular transport as seen in the fluorescence and MRI images of mouse melanoma cells (B16) or human lung epithelial adenocarcinoma cells (H1650). Biocompatibility of the nanoparticles is evaluated using MTT cytotoxicity assays, which show cell viability over 90%. Further, we combine MRI and NIR fluorescence imaging in C57BL/6 (B6) mice subcutaneously or intravenously injected with the photouncaging nanoparticles and follow the in vivo fate of the nanoparticles. Interestingly, the intravenously injected nanoparticles initially accumulate in the liver within 30 min post injection and subsequently clear by the renal excretion within 48 h as seen in the time-dependent MRI and fluorescence images of the liver, urinary bladder, and urine samples. Photouncaging ligands such as the ones reported in this article are promising candidates for not only the site-specific delivery of nanomaterials-based contrast agents and drugs but also the systematic uncaging and renal clearance of nanomaterials after the desired in vivo application.

Fluorescent molecular imaging: technical progress and current preclinical and clinical applications in urogynecologic diseases

Many molecular imaging probes have been developed in recent years that hold great promise for both diagnostic and therapeutic functions in urogynecologic disease. Historically, optical probe designs were based on either endogenous or exogenous fluorophores. More recently, organic fluorophore probes have been engineered to target specific tissues and emit fluorescence only upon binding to targets. Several different photochemical mechanisms of activation exist. This review presents a discussion of the history and development of molecular imaging probe designs and provides an overview of successful preclinical and clinical models employing molecular probes for in vivo imaging of urogynecologic cancers.

Upconversion nanoparticles conjugated with Gd(3+) -DOTA and RGD for targeted dual-modality imaging of brain tumor xenografts

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and malignant form of primary brain tumors in human. Small molecular magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents are used for GBM diagnosis. However, conventional contrast agents have several limitations, such as low T1 relaxivity, short circulation half lives and absence of tumor targeting. Herein, we develop an upconversion nanoprobe labeled with Gd(3+) -DOTA and RGD (UCNP-Gd-RGD) for dual-modality imaging of glioblastoma. The preparation of UCNP-Gd-RGD starts with amine-functional upconversion nanoparticle core, followed by PEGylation, Gd(3+) DOTA conjugation and RGD labeling. The obtained UCNP-Gd-RGD has improved colloidal stability and reduced cytotoxicity compared with the UCNP core counterpart. Meanwhile, UCNP-Gd-RGD shows strong upconversion luminescence in deep-red region and three times enhancement of T1 relaxivity over Gd(3+) DOTA. Due to the recognition between UCNP-Gd-RGD and integrin αv β3 receptors, the nanoprobe specifically binds to U87MG cells, as evidenced by confocal microscopy and quantified by ICP-MS. Furthermore, UCNP-Gd-RGD demonstrates a preferential retention in subcutaneous U87MG tumor xenograft as shown in both in vivo upconversion fluorescence/MR imaging studies and ex vivo analysis. UCNP-Gd-RGD, conjugated with numerous RGD peptide and T1 contrast enhancing molecules, is promising for MR imaging of glioblastoma and delineating the tumor boundary before surgery. In addition, NIR-to-red upconversion characteristic of UCNP-Gd-RGD facilitates its potential intra-operative use for fluorescence-guided tumor resection.

Regulating angiogenesis with light-inducible AntimiRs

The inhibition of microRNAs (miRs) in a spatiotemporally defined manner by an exogenous trigger would help to specifically target the biological activity and avoid off-target effects. Novel antimiRs directed against miR-92a can be activated by irradiation (see scheme; 3'-UTR=3'-untranslated region) In this way miR-92a is inhibited, the miR-92a target integrin α5 is derepressed, and angiogenesis of endothelial cells is enhanced.

Multilayer dual-polymer-coated upconversion nanoparticles for multimodal imaging and serum-enhanced gene delivery

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have been widely explored for various bioapplications because of their unique optical properties, easy surface functionalization, and low cytotoxicity. Herein, we synthesize gadolinium (Gd3+)-doped UCNPs, which are modified first with poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) and then with two layers of poly(ethylenimine) (PEI) via covalent conjugation and layer-by-layer assembly, respectively. Compared with UCNP-PEG@1×PEI with only one layer of PEI coating, the final complex, UCNP-PEG@2×PEI, with two PEI layers exhibits reduced cytotoxicity and enhanced gene transfection efficiency. It is interesting to find that while free PEI polymer is only effective in gene transfection in a serum-free medium and shows drastically reduced transfection ability if serum is added, UCNP-PEG@2×PEI is able to transfect cells in both serum-free and -containing media and, surprisingly, offers even higher gene transfection efficiency if serum is added. This is likely due to the formation of protein corona on the nanoparticle surface, which triggers the receptor-mediated endocytosis of our UCNP vectors. Considering the upconversion luminescence and magnetic resonance imaging contrasting ability of UCNPs, our novel nanovector could serve as a "trackable" gene-delivery carrier promising for theranostic applications.

Near-infrared light photocontrolled targeting, bioimaging, and chemotherapy with caged upconversion nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo

The major challenge in current chemotherapy is to increase local effective therapeutic concentration of drugs as well as to minimize toxicity and side effects for patients. The targeted delivery of drugs to their desired site of action in a controlled manner plays an essential role in the development of drug formulations. A photocage refers to a caged molecule rendered biologically inert by a photolabile protecting group. Molecules are illuminated with light to liberate the caged group and then become active forms. In this study, we formulate upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as the NIR-triggered targeting and drug delivery vehicles that successfully deliver in vitro and in vivo for near-infrared light photocontrolled targeting, bioimaging, and chemotherapy. It is noted that there has been no report on the systemic administration UCNP-based drug delivery agents for evaluation of bioimaging and chemotherapy. To achieve phototargeting, the tumor-homing agent (i.e., folic acid) has been constructed as a photoresponsive molecule. For the chemotherapeutic effect, the antitumor drug doxorubicin is thiolated on the surface of UCNPs, forming a disulfide bond that can be cleaved by lysosomal enzymes within the cells. The caged UNCPs can serve as a platform for the improvement of selective targeting and possible reduction of adverse side effects from chemotherapy.

Tunable near infrared to ultraviolet upconversion luminescence enhancement in (α-NaYF4 :Yb,Tm)/CaF2 core/shell nanoparticles for in situ real-time recorded biocompatible photoactivation

A family of upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) with a tunable UV enhancement is developed via a facile approach. The design leads to a maximum 9-fold enhancement in comparison with known optimal β-phase core/shell UCNPs in water. A highly effective and rapid in situ real-time live-cell photoactivation is recorded for the first time with such nanoparticles.

Single-nanocrystal sensitivity achieved by enhanced upconversion luminescence

Upconversion nanocrystals convert infrared radiation to visible luminescence, and are promising for applications in biodetection, bioimaging, solar cells and three-dimensional display technologies. Although the design of suitable nanocrystals has improved the performance of upconversion nanocrystals, their emission brightness is limited by the low doping concentration of activator ions needed to avoid the luminescence quenching that occurs at high concentrations. Here, we demonstrate that high excitation irradiance can alleviate concentration quenching in upconversion luminescence when combined with higher activator concentration, which can be increased from 0.5 mol% to 8 mol% Tm(3+) in NaYF₄. This leads to significantly enhanced luminescence signals, by up to a factor of 70. By using such bright nanocrystals, we demonstrate remote tracking of a single nanocrystal with a microstructured optical-fibre dip sensor. This represents a sensitivity improvement of three orders of magnitude over benchmark nanocrystals such as quantum dots.

Amphiphilic silane modified NaYF4:Yb,Er loaded with Eu(TTA)3(TPPO)2 nanoparticles and their multi-functions: dual mode temperature sensing and cell imaging

Rare-earth upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs) have become one of the most promising luminescent materials for bio-applications, but their use still meets some limitations by difficulties in obtaining biocompatible UCNPs. To address this problem, we have developed a simple and versatile strategy for converting hydrophobic UCNPs into hydrophilic ones by amphiphilic silane modification with ultrathin thickness at room temperature (RT). In this strategy, the coating layers can also afford the place for loading with Eu(TTA)3(TPPO)2 complex which displays down conversion luminescence (DCL). Due to the UC and DC properties, we achieved the dual mode physiological range temperature sensing and dual mode cell imaging. Such novel nanomaterials offer a new surface modification strategy for the NPs that are formed in the oil phase for bio-applications.

NIR photoresponsive crosslinked upconverting nanocarriers toward selective intracellular drug release

An NIR-responsive mesoporous silica coated upconverting nanoparticle (UCNP) conjugate is developed for controllable drug delivery and fluorescence imaging in living cells. In this work, antitumor drug doxorubicin (Dox) molecules are encapsulated within cross-linked photocaged mesoporous silica coated UCNPs. Upon 980 nm light irradiation, Dox could be selectively released through the photocleavage of theo-nitrobenzyl (NB) caged linker by the converted UV emission from UCNPs. This NIR light-responsive nanoparticle conjugate demonstrates high efficiency for the controlled release of the drug in cancer cells. Upon functionalization of the nanocarrier with folic acid (FA), this photocaged FA-conjugated silica-UCNP nanocarrier will also allow targeted intracellular drug delivery and selective fluorescence imaging towards the cell lines with high level expression of folate receptor (FR).

Electrospun upconversion composite fibers as dual drugs delivery system with individual release properties

Novel multifunctional poly(ε-caprolactone)-gelatin encapsulating upconversion core/shell silica nanoparticles (NPs) composite fibers as dual drugs delivery system (DDDS), with indomethacin (IMC) and doxorubicin (DOX) releasing in individual release properties, have been designed and fabricated via electrospinning process. Uniform and monodisperse upconversion (UC) luminescent NaYF4:Yb(3+), Er(3+) nanocrystals (UCNCs) were encapsulated with mesoporous silica shells, resulting in the formation of core/shell structured NaYF4:Yb(3+), Er(3+)@mSiO2 (UCNCs@mSiO2) NPs, which can be performed as DOX delivery carriers. These UCNCs@mSiO2 NPs loading DOX then were dispersed into the mixture of poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and gelatin-based electrospinning solution containing IMC, followed by the preparation of dual drug-loaded composite fibers (DDDS) via electrospinning method. The drugs release profiles of the DDDS were measured, and the results indicated that the IMC and DOX released from the electrospun composite fibers showed distinct properties. The IMC in the composite fibers presented a fast release manner, while DOX showed a sustained release behavior. Moreover, the UC luminescent intensity ratios of (2)H(11/2)/(4)S(3/2)-(4)I(15/2) to (4)F(9/2)-(4)I(15/2) from Er(3+) vary with the amounts of DOX in the system, and thus drug release can be tracked and monitored by the luminescence resonance energy transfer (LRET) mechanism.

Multi-photon excitation in uncaging the small molecule bioregulator nitric oxide

Multi-photon excitation allows one to use tissue transmitting near-infrared (NIR) light to access excited states with energies corresponding to single-photon excitation in the visible or ultraviolet wavelength ranges. Here, we present an overview of the application of both simultaneous and sequential multi-photon excitation in studies directed towards the photochemical delivery ('uncaging') of bioactive small molecules such as nitric oxide (NO) to physiological targets. Particular focus will be directed towards the use of dyes with high two-photon absorption cross sections and lanthanide ion-doped upconverting nanoparticles as sensitizers to facilitate the uncaging of NO using NIR excitation.

Recent advances in design and fabrication of upconversion nanoparticles and their safe theranostic applications

Lanthanide (Ln) doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have attracted enormous attention in the recent years due to their unique upconversion luminescent properties that enable the conversion of low-energy photons (near infrared photons) into high-energy photons (visible to ultraviolet photons) via the multiphoton processes. This feature makes them ideal for bioimaging applications with attractive advantages such as no autofluorescence from biotissues and a large penetration depth. In addition, by incorporating advanced features, such as specific targeting, multimodality imaging and therapeutic delivery, the application of UCNPs has been dramatically expanded. In this review, we first summarize the recent developments in the fabrication strategies of UCNPs with the desired size, enhanced and tunable upconversion luminescence, as well as the combined multifunctionality. We then discuss the chemical methods applied for UCNPs surface functionalization to make these UCNPs biocompatible and water-soluble, and further highlight some representative examples of using UCNPs for in vivo bioimaging, NIR-triggered drug/gene delivery applications and photodynamic therapy. In the perspectives, we discuss the need of systematically nanotoxicology data for rational designs of UCNPs materials, their surface chemistry in safer biomedical applications. The UCNPs can actually provide an ideal multifunctionalized platform for solutions to many key issues in the front of medical sciences such as theranostics, individualized therapeutics, multimodality medicine, etc.

Biodistribution of sub-10 nm PEG-modified radioactive/upconversion nanoparticles

The biodistribution of lanthanide-based upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs) has attracted increasing attention, and all of the reported UCNPs display metabolism in the liver and spleen mainly. Herein, ∼8 nm poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG)-coated NaYF4 nanoparticles codoped with Yb(3+), Er(3+), and (or) radioactive (153)Sm(3+) ions were synthesized, through a hydrothermal synthetic system assisted by binary cooperative ligands with oleic acid and PEG dicarboxylic acids. The as-prepared PEG-coating NaYF4:Yb,Er and NaYF4:Yb,Er,(153)Sm are denoted as PEG-UCNPs and PEG-UCNPs((153)Sm), respectively. PEG-UCNPs were characterized by transmission electron microscope (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis, and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. The PEG-UCNPs showed excellent water solubility with a hydrodynamic diameter of ∼10 nm and displayed upconversion luminescence (UCL) under continuous-wave excitation at 980 nm. At the same time, the (153)Sm-doped nanoparticles PEG-UCNPs((153)Sm) displayed radioactivity, and time-dependent biodistribution of PEG-UCNPs((153)Sm) was investigated, through single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) imaging and γ-counter analysis. Interestingly, PEG-UCNPs((153)Sm) had a long blood retention time and were partly eliminated through urinary pathways in vivo. Therefore, the concept of fabricating PEG-coated, small nanosize (sub-10 nm) nanoparticles with radioactive property is a useful strategy for providing a potential method to monitor lanthanide nanoparticles renal clearable.

Sub-10 nm Fe3O4@Cu(2-x)S core-shell nanoparticles for dual-modal imaging and photothermal therapy

Photothermal nanomaterials have recently attracted significant research interest due to their potential applications in biological imaging and therapeutics. However, the development of small-sized photothermal nanomaterials with high thermal stability remains a formidable challenge. Here, we report the rational design and synthesis of ultrasmall (<10 nm) Fe3O4@Cu2-xS core-shell nanoparticles, which offer both high photothermal stability and superparamagnetic properties. Specifically, these core-shell nanoparticles have proven effective as probes for T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and infrared thermal imaging because of their strong absorption at the near-infrared region centered around 960 nm. Importantly, the photothermal effect of the nanoparticles can be precisely controlled by varying the Cu content in the core-shell structure. Furthermore, we demonstrate in vitro and in vivo photothermal ablation of cancer cells using these multifunctional nanoparticles. The results should provide improved understanding of synergistic effect resulting from the integration of magnetism with photothermal phenomenon, important for developing multimode nanoparticle probes for biomedical applications.

Upconverting rare-earth nanoparticles with a paramagnetic lanthanide complex shell for upconversion fluorescent and magnetic resonance dual-modality imaging

Multi-modal imaging based on multifunctional nanoparticles is a promising alternative approach to improve the sensitivity of early cancer diagnosis. In this study, highly upconverting fluorescence and strong relaxivity rare-earth nanoparticles coated with paramagnetic lanthanide complex shells and polyethylene glycol (PEGylated UCNPs@DTPA-Gd(3+)) are synthesized as dual-modality imaging contrast agents (CAs) for upconverting fluorescent and magnetic resonance dual-modality imaging. PEGylated UCNPs@DTPA-Gd(3+) with sizes in the range of 32-86 nm are colloidally stable. They exhibit higher longitudinal relaxivity and transverse relaxivity in water (r1 and r2 values are 7.4 and 27.8 s(-1) per mM Gd(3+), respectively) than does commercial Gd-DTPA (r1 and r2 values of 3.7 and 4.6 s(-1) per mM Gd(3+), respectively). They are found to be biocompatible. In vitro cancer cell imaging shows good imaging contrast of PEGylated UCNPs@DTPA-Gd(3+). In vivo upconversion fluorescent imaging and T1-weighted MRI show excellent enhancement of both fluorescent and MR signals in the livers of mice administered PEGylated UCNPs@DTPA-Gd(3+). All the experimental results indicate that the synthesized PEGylated UCNPs@DTPA-Gd(3+) present great potential for biomedical upconversion of fluorescent and magnetic resonance dual-modality imaging applications.

Upconversion nanophosphors Naluf₄:Yb,Tm for lymphatic imaging in vivo by real-time upconversion luminescence imaging under ambient light and high-resolution X-ray CT

Lanthanide upconversion nanophosphor (UCNP) has attracted increasing attention for potential applications in bioimaging due to its excellence in deep and high contrast imaging. To date, most upconversion imaging applications were demonstrated in dark surroundings without ambient light for higher signal-to-noise ratio, which hindered the application of optical imaging guided surgery. Herein, the new established NaLuF₄-based UCNP (NaLuF₄:Yb,Tm, ~17 nm) with bright upconversion emission around 800 nm as imaging signal was used to realize imaging under ambient light to provide more convenient for clinician. Moreover, due to the existance of heavy element lutetium (Lu) in the host lattice, the NaLuF₄:Yb,Tm nanoparticles can also be used as an X-ray CT imaging agent to enhance the imaging depth and in vivo imaging resolution.

Surface-functionalized nanoparticles for biosensing and imaging-guided therapeutics

In this article, the very recent progress of various functional inorganic nanomaterials is reviewed including their unique properties, surface functionalization strategies, and applications in biosensing and imaging-guided therapeutics. The proper surface functionalization renders them with stability, biocompatibility and functionality in physiological environments, and further enables their targeted use in bioapplications after bioconjugation via selective and specific recognition. The surface-functionalized nanoprobes using the most actively studied nanoparticles (i.e., gold nanoparticles, quantum dots, upconversion nanoparticles, and magnetic nanoparticles) make them an excellent platform for a wide range of bioapplications. With more efforts in recent years, they have been widely developed as labeling probes to detect various biological species such as proteins, nucleic acids and ions, and extensively employed as imaging probes to guide therapeutics such as drug/gene delivery and photothermal/photodynamic therapy.

Upconversion nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy and other cancer therapeutics

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a non-invasive treatment modality for a variety of diseases including cancer. PDT based on upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) has received much attention in recent years. Under near-infrared (NIR) light excitation, UCNPs are able to emit high-energy visible light, which can activate surrounding photosensitizer (PS) molecules to produce singlet oxygen and kill cancer cells. Owing to the high tissue penetration ability of NIR light, NIR-excited UCNPs can be used to activate PS molecules in much deeper tissues compared to traditional PDT induced by visible or ultraviolet (UV) light. In addition to the application of UCNPs as an energy donor in PDT, via similar mechanisms, they could also be used for the NIR light-triggered drug release or activation of 'caged' imaging or therapeutic molecules. In this review, we will summarize the latest progresses regarding the applications of UCNPs for photodynamic therapy, NIR triggered drug and gene delivery, as well as several other UCNP-based cancer therapeutic approaches. The future prospects and challenges in this emerging field will be also discussed.

Optimization of optical excitation of upconversion nanoparticles for rapid microscopy and deeper tissue imaging with higher quantum yield

Relatively low quantum yield (QY), time-consuming scanning and strong absorption of light in tissue are some of the issues present in the development of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) for biomedical applications. In this paper we systematically optimize several aspects of optical excitation of UCNPs to improve their applicability in bioimaging and biotherapy. A novel multi-photon evanescent wave (EW) excitation modality is proposed for UCNP-based microscopy. The scanning-free, ultrahigh contrast and high spatiotemporal resolution method could simultaneously track a few particles in a large area with a speed of ³⁺up to 350 frames per second. The HeLa cancer cell membrane imaging was successfully performed using NaYF₄: 20% Yb³⁺/2Er³⁺ targeting nanoparticles. Studies with different tissues were made to illustrate the impact of optical property parameters on the deep imaging ability of 920-nm band excitation. In the experiments a semiconductor laser with a 920 nm wavelength was used to excite UCNPs in tissue phantom at five depths. Our experimental and computational results have shown that in UCNP-based diffusion optical imaging with 920-nm laser excitation could lead to larger imaging depth range compared to traditional 974-nm excitation in a wide dynamic range of tissue species. As the QY is power density dependent, a pulsed laser is proposed to improve the QY of UCNPs. This proposal is promising in drastically increasing the imaging depth and efficiency of photodynamic therapy.

Photon upconversion in hetero-nanostructured photoanodes for enhanced near-infrared light harvesting

A hetero-nanostructured photoanode with enhanced near-infrared light harvesting is developed for photo-electrochemical cells. By spatially coating upconversion nanoparticles and quantum dot photosensitizers onto TiO2 inverse opal, this architecture allows direct irradiation of upconversion nanoparticles to emit visible light that excites quantum dots for charge separation. Electrons are injected into TiO2 with minimal carrier losses due to continuous electron conducting interface.