Click-chemistry targeting of inflammation using NIR-emitting lanthanide nanoparticles with preserved optical functionality

Bioorthogonal click chemistry was employed for the selective detection of VCAM-1 overexpression on inflamed endothelial cells using lanthanide-doped nanoparticles as near-infrared (NIR) probes. Neodymium/Ytterbium co-doped nanoparticles exhibited efficient and specific targeting following bioorthogonal conjugation, while preserving their characteristic NIR emission profile and thermal sensing capabilities. These results demonstrate the potential of this strategy for the selective recognition of inflammatory biomarkers without compromising the optical performance of the nanoprobes, paving the way for multifunctional platforms for inflammation imaging and nanothermometry.