Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 12, 2026
A Bright NIR-II Fluorescence Probe for Vascular and Tumor Imaging
Published on: March 17, 2023
Energy Migration-Directed Orthogonal Emissive Nanocrystals for NIR-IIb Imaging Navigation toward Precise UV
Ye Li1, Jiajun Li1, Shifeng Sun1
1MOE Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science & Institute of Laser Life Science, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Laser Life Science, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Spectral Analysis and Functional Probes, College of Biophotonics, School of Optoelectronic Science and Engineering, South China Normal University, Guangzhou510631, P. R. China.
Abstract:
Upconversion-based photoactivation offers a transformative approach to precision medicine by leveraging near-infrared light to trigger specific chemical and biological activities. However, the lack of favorable photoswitchable agents combining deep-tissue high-resolution imaging with orthogonal photoactivation hinders precise and site-specific interventions. This work reports the precise modulation of energy transfer within Yb/Tm/Er codoped nanocrystals via an energy migration strategy, achieving orthogonal emissions from Er3+ (NIR-IIb) and Tm3+ (UV) by adjusting the excitation between 808 and 980 nm. These rationally designed core-shell-shell optical conversion-switching nanocrystals (OCSNs) do not require a complicated multilayer doping design, as both activators reside within the same luminescent core. Furthermore, Ce3+ is incorporated to enhance Er3+-mediated 1550 nm emission. As proof of concept, the OCSNs are functionalized with mesoporous silica and UV-responsive azobenzene, enabling real-time navigation and controlled release of drug guests under orthogonal optical control. This OCSN offers immense potential for spatiotemporally precise photoactivation in various biomedical applications.
