Photonic Energy Back Transfer for Enhanced Upconversion/NIR-II Luminescence with 3D-Printed Manufacturing for Bone...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Rare earth nanoparticles (RENP) are crucial for luminescence applications.
• Optimizing RENP structure and composition is key to enhancing their optical properties.
• Developing biocompatible materials for in vivo imaging and bone regeneration is an ongoing challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify a suitable luminescent host for RENP using molecular dynamics simulations.
• To optimize RENP core-shell structure and doping for enhanced near-infrared-II (NIR-II) and upconversion luminescence (UCL).
• To explore the potential of optimized RENP as a novel bone material via 3D printing.

Main Methods:

• Molecular dynamics simulations to identify cubic-phase YOF as a luminescent host.
• Optimization of RENP core-shell structure, doping elements, and ratios.
• Fabrication of SiO2-RENP multilayer structures using 3D printing.
• In vivo vascular and bone imaging in mice.
• In vivo implantation experiments to assess biocompatibility and stability.

Main Results:

• Cubic-phase YOF identified as a suitable luminescent host for RENP.
• Optimized RENP demonstrated enhanced energy back transfer (EBT) from Nd3+ to Er3+.
• Simultaneous enhancement of NIR-II luminescence and two-photon UCL achieved by separating emission elements.
• High-quality in vivo vascular and bone imaging in mice accomplished.
• SiO2-RENP multilayer structure showed enhanced biocompatibility, mechanical properties, and stability for bone regeneration.

Conclusions:

• Optimized RENP exhibit superior NIR-II and UCL properties.
• The developed multilayer material shows significant potential as a novel bone material with excellent biocompatibility and stability.
• This work paves the way for advanced applications in bioimaging and bone tissue engineering.