What are Upconverting Nanoparticles?

Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) are a class of nanomaterials capable of converting low-energy photons, typically near-infrared (NIR) light, into higher-energy photons such as visible or ultraviolet light through upconversion luminescence. This property comes from the sequential absorption of two or more photons by metastable energy states within the particles, leading to excited states and high-energy photon emission.

Composed of rare-earth elements (e.g., Er3?, Tm3?, Yb3?) in host matrices like NaYF?, they can convert NIR light to visible/ultraviolet light. Their properties are tunable via dopant type/concentration, size, and shape. BOT Bioparticles offers functional UCNPs with carboxyl, amine, or DBCO groups for conjugation with biomolecules.

Advantages of Upconverting Nanoparticles

NIR excitation enables deep tissue penetration and low background autofluorescence

High sensitivity for precise detection in sensing and imaging

Tunable emission wavelengths via rare-earth dopant adjustments

Excellent photostability for long-term measurements

Narrow emission bands support multiplexed applications

Good biocompatibility after surface modification

Applications of Upconverting Nanoparticles

Biomedical Imaging: Cell labeling, deep tissue imaging, immunohistochemistry

Biosensing: Detection of intracellular substances, heavy metals, biomolecules

Photodynamic Therapy: NIR-activated targeted cancer treatment

Drug Delivery: pH-responsive or mesoporous-controlled release

Optical Data Storage: Photoswitching for secure printing, high-capacity storage