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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 29, 2026

Fluorescence-quenching of a Liposomal-encapsulated Near-infrared Fluorophore as a Tool for In Vivo Optical Imaging

Fluorescence-quenching of a Liposomal-encapsulated Near-infrared Fluorophore as a Tool for In Vivo Optical Imaging

Published on: January 5, 2015

Upconversion fluorescent nanoparticles as a potential tool for in-depth imaging.

Sounderya Nagarajan¹, Yong Zhang

¹Division of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore. nsounderya@nus.edu.sg

|September 6, 2011

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNs) enable deep tissue imaging. These UCNs allowed imaging cells up to 3 mm deep, showing potential for biological applications.

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Last Updated: May 29, 2026

Fluorescence-quenching of a Liposomal-encapsulated Near-infrared Fluorophore as a Tool for In Vivo Optical Imaging

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Published on: January 5, 2015

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An Integrated System to Remotely Trigger Intracellular Signal Transduction by Upconversion Nanoparticle-mediated Kinase Photoactivation

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Published on: August 30, 2017

Area of Science:

Nanotechnology
Biomedical Imaging
Materials Science

Background:

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNs) absorb near-infrared (NIR) light and emit visible or NIR light.
Their ability to utilize NIR light, which penetrates tissues effectively, makes them promising for biological imaging.
This study investigates the imaging depth achievable with UCNs in biological tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

To determine the maximum depth at which cells can be imaged using upconversion nanoparticles.
To evaluate the performance of UCNs with different emission properties (visible vs. NIR).
To assess the impact of targeted UCNs on imaging depth in specific cellular structures.

Main Methods:

Synthesis of NaYF(4) nanocrystals doped with Yb(3+)/Er(3+) or Yb(3+)/Tm(3+).
Silica modification for aqueous dispersion and biomolecule conjugation.
Characterization via transmission electron microscopy and fluorescence spectroscopy.
Imaging experiments using tissue phantoms mimicking skin/muscle tissue.

Main Results:

Cells were successfully imaged up to a depth of 3 mm using NIR-emitting UCNs.
The study demonstrated the feasibility of deep-tissue cell imaging with UCNs.
Evaluation of imaging depth for UCNs targeted to cardiac cell gap junctions was performed.

Conclusions:

Upconversion nanoparticles, particularly those emitting in the NIR, are effective for deep-tissue biological imaging.
The developed UCNs can image cells at depths relevant for various biomedical applications.
Targeted UCNs show potential for high-resolution imaging of specific cellular components at depth.