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Updated: Jan 10, 2026
13:51
Synthesis of Core-shell Lanthanide-doped Upconversion Nanocrystals for Cellular Applications
Published on: November 10, 2017
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Multicolor Upconversion Förster Resonant Energy Transfer Using Optimized Yb@YbTm Core@Shell Nanoparticles.
Grzegorz Bękarski1, Katarzyna Prorok1, František Štětina2
1Institute of Low Temperature and Structure Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, ul. Okólna 2, 50-422 Wroclaw, Poland.
ACS Nano
|November 24, 2025
Summary
This study optimized upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) for resonance energy transfer (FRET) biosensing by tuning Tm3+ concentration in core-shell structures. This design enhances FRET efficiency and enables multicolor detection for multiplexed bioassays.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biochemistry
- Materials Science
Background:
- Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) show promise for FRET-based biosensing but face challenges due to small absorption and large size.
- Complex UCNP structures and limited multicolor studies hinder FRET assay development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize and optimize core-shell UCNPs for enhanced FRET efficiency.
- To develop multicolor UC-FRET systems using a single donor and multiple acceptors for multiplexed bioassays.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized core-shell UCNPs (Yb3+-doped core/Yb3+, Tm3+-doped shell) with varying Tm3+ concentrations.
- Surface-functionalized UCNPs with four distinct ATTO dyes as acceptors.
- Evaluated FRET efficiencies using spectral and time-domain measurements.
Main Results:
- Optimized Tm3+ concentration (4%) in the UCNP shell maximized FRET efficiency.
- Successfully differentiated four ATTO dyes on UCNPs using a ratiometric approach.
- Demonstrated potential for multicolor detection with a single UCNP donor.
Conclusions:
- Smart core-shell UCNP design and donor concentration tuning improve UC-FRET sensitivity.
- Provides a foundation for developing efficient, multicolor, wash-free UC biosensing platforms.
- Offers insights into rational design for advanced biosensing applications.
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