Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 6, 2026
11:20
An Integrated System to Remotely Trigger Intracellular Signal Transduction by Upconversion Nanoparticle-mediated Kinase Photoactivation
Published on: August 30, 2017
6.8K
Optical trapping of NaYF4:Er3+,Yb3+ upconverting fluorescent nanoparticles
P Haro-González1, B del Rosal, L M Maestro
1Fluorescence Imaging Group, Departamento de Física de Materiales, C-IV, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, C/Francisco Tomás y Valiente 7, Madrid, 28049, Spain. daniel.jaque@uam.es.
Nanoscale
|October 18, 2013
Summary
Researchers achieved stable optical trapping of upconverting nanoparticles using a single laser beam. This breakthrough enables precise manipulation for advanced biophotonics applications.
Area of Science:
- Nanoparticle manipulation
- Optical trapping
- Biophotonics
Background:
- Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) offer unique optical properties.
- Precise manipulation of UCNPs is crucial for advanced applications.
- Previous methods lacked stability and control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To demonstrate stable optical trapping of NaYF4:Er(3+),Yb(3+) UCNPs.
- To investigate the factors influencing nanoparticle trapping.
- To explore the potential for 3D manipulation in biophotonics.
Main Methods:
- Utilized a continuous wave 980 nm single-beam laser for trapping and excitation.
- Analyzed emitted luminescence to observe sequential loading of individual nanoparticles.
- Investigated thermal effects by comparing trapping in heavy water and distilled water.
Main Results:
- Achieved stable optical trapping of ~26 nm NaYF4:Er(3+),Yb(3+) UCNPs.
- Demonstrated that laser power and nanoparticle density control trapping strength and loading.
- Confirmed optical forces dominate trapping behavior, especially in heavy water where thermal effects are minimized.
Conclusions:
- Established a method for stable, single-beam optical trapping of UCNPs.
- Identified key parameters for controlling nanoparticle trapping.
- Paved the way for 3D manipulation of UCNPs for precise fluorescence sensing in biophotonics.
