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Synthesis of Core-shell Lanthanide-doped Upconversion Nanocrystals for Cellular Applications
Published on: November 10, 2017
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Recent advances in tumor biomarker detection by lanthanide upconversion nanoparticles
Ying Zhan1, Runchi Zhang1, Yi Guo1
1Center for Molecular Recognition and Biosensing, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, China. gfchen@shu.edu.cn.
Journal of Materials Chemistry. B
|January 6, 2023
Summary
Lanthanide upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) offer a sensitive and selective method for early cancer diagnosis by detecting tumor biomarkers. This review explores UCNP applications, mechanisms, and future potential in oncology.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Early tumor diagnosis is crucial for reducing cancer mortality.
- Tumor biomarkers are key indicators of cancerous changes at the molecular/cellular level.
- Existing detection methods necessitate novel approaches for enhanced sensitivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent advancements in tumor biomarker detection using lanthanide upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs).
- To highlight the unique properties of UCNPs for bioanalytical applications.
- To discuss the potential of UCNPs in improving early cancer diagnosis.
Main Methods:
- Review of literature on UCNP-based tumor biomarker detection.
- Analysis of UCNP properties (e.g., luminescence, photostability) for bioassays.
- Examination of detection mechanisms and applications in vitro and in vivo.
Main Results:
- UCNPs exhibit unique optical properties (large anti-Stoke shifts, sharp emission, long lifetimes, photostability, no autofluorescence).
- These properties enable highly sensitive and selective detection of various tumor biomarkers.
- UCNPs have shown promise in both in vitro and in vivo diagnostic applications.
Conclusions:
- UCNPs represent a powerful tool for sensitive and selective tumor biomarker detection.
- Further research into UCNP-based strategies can significantly advance early cancer diagnosis.
- Addressing current challenges will unlock the full potential of UCNPs in clinical oncology.

