Upconversion nanoparticles for differential imaging of plant cells and detection of fluorescent dyes

Cyanine dye-assembled composite upconversion nanoparticles for the sensing and cell imaging of nitrite based on a single particle imaging method

An upconversion luminescence total internal reflection single particle imaging method was developed for the sensing and cell imaging of nitrite.

Single-Molecule Imaging in Living Plant Cells: A Methodological Review

Single-molecule imaging is emerging as a revolutionary approach to studying fundamental questions in plants. However, compared with its use in animals, the application of single-molecule imaging in plants is still underexplored. Here, we review the applications, advantages, and challenges of single-molecule fluorescence imaging in plant systems from the perspective of methodology. Firstly, we provide a general overview of single-molecule imaging methods and their principles. Next, we summarize the unprecedented quantitative details that can be obtained using single-molecule techniques compared to bulk assays. Finally, we discuss the main problems encountered at this stage and provide possible solutions.

Efficient energy transfer from Ce3+ to Tb3+ in BaF2: green-emitting phosphors for potential applications in the detection of Cu2+ ions

A succession of Ce³⁺ and Tb³⁺ co-doped BaF₂ nanoparticles were synthesized by co-precipitation and hydrothermal methods.

Study of near-infrared light-induced excitation of upconversion nanoparticles as a vector for non-viral DNA delivery

Clinical requirements have necessitated the development of biomedical nanomaterials that can be implanted into tissues or bodies.

The Bioavailability, Biodistribution, and Toxic Effects of Silica-Coated Upconversion Nanoparticles in vivo

Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles can convert long wavelength excitation radiation to short wavelength emission. They have great potential in biomedical applications, such as bioimaging, biodetection, drug delivery, and theranostics. However, there is little information available on their bioavailability and biological effects after oral administration. In this study, we systematically investigated the bioavailability, biodistribution, and toxicity of silica-coated upconversion nanoparticles administrated by gavage. Our results demonstrate that these nanoparticles can permeate intestinal barrier and enter blood circulation by microstructure observation of Peyer's patch in the intestine. Comparing the bioavailability and the biodistribution of silica-coated upconversion nanoparticles with oral and intravenous administration routes, we found that the bioavailability and biodistribution are particularly dependent on the administration routes. After consecutive gavage for 14 days, the body weight, pathology, Zn and Cu level, serum biochemical analysis, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines were studied to further evaluate the potential toxicity of the silica-coated upconversion nanoparticles. The results suggest that these nanoparticles do not show overt toxicity in mice even at a high dose of 100 mg/kg body weight.

Different strategies for detection of HbA1c emphasizing on biosensors and point-of-care analyzers

Measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) is a gold standard procedure for assessing long term glycemic control in individuals with diabetes mellitus as it gives the stable and reliable value of blood glucose levels for a period of 90-120 days. HbA1c is formed by the non-enzymatic glycation of terminal valine of hemoglobin. The analysis of HbA1c tends to be complicated because there are more than 300 different assay methods for measuring HbA1c which leads to variations in reported values from same samples. Therefore, standardization of detection methods is recommended. The review outlines the current research activities on developing assays including biosensors for the detection of HbA1c. The pros and cons of different techniques for measuring HbA1c are outlined. The performance of current point-of-care HbA1c analyzers available on the market are also compared and discussed. The future perspectives for HbA1c detection and diabetes management are proposed.

Upconversion nanoparticle arrays for detecting glycated hemoglobin with high sensitivity and good reusability

Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have attracted extensive interest in bio-applications due to their unique optical properties by converting near infrared excitation to visible emission.