Multifunctional Lanthanide-Doped Core/Shell Nanoparticles: Integration of Upconversion Luminescence, Temperature...

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Multifunctional nanoparticles offer integrated capabilities for advanced applications.
• Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are promising for bioimaging and therapy due to their unique light-emitting properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop single core/shell UCNPs (<10 nm) with simultaneous upconversion luminescence (UCL), temperature sensing, and photothermal conversion.
• To investigate the effect of core/shell design on UCL efficiency and heating capability.
• To evaluate the potential of Nd3+-sensitized UCNPs for imaging-guided photothermal treatments using a biocompatible 808 nm laser.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of core/shell NaGdF4:Yb/Er-based UCNPs with Yb3+ or Nd3+ doped shells.
• Characterization of UCNP properties including UCL, temperature sensing, and photothermal conversion under 980 or 808 nm excitation.
• Evaluation of heating and sensing capabilities in aqueous environments.

Main Results:

• Core/shell UCNPs exhibited simultaneous UCL, temperature sensing, and photothermal conversion.
• Rational core/shell design enhanced UCL efficiency and heating capability by spatially separating emission/sensing and heating components.
• Nd3+-sensitized UCNPs demonstrated efficient heating and sensing under 808 nm excitation with minimized water heating.

Conclusions:

• Single core/shell UCNPs can be engineered for multifunctional applications in imaging, sensing, and therapy.
• The core/shell architecture allows for tailored control over light and heat generation processes.
• Nd3+-sensitized UCNPs show significant potential for advanced imaging-guided photothermal treatments.