Spectral characterization of LiYbF4 upconverting nanoparticles

Upconversion 3D Bioprinting for Noninvasive In Vivo Molding

Tissue engineered bracket materials provide essential support for the physiological protection and therapeutics of patients. Unfortunately, the implantation process of such devices poses the risk of surgical complications and infection. In this study, an upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs)-assisted 3D bioprinting approach is developed to realize in vivo molding that is free from invasive surgery. Reasonably designed UCNPs, which convert near-infrared (NIR) photons that penetrate skin tissues into blue-violet emission (300-500 nm), induce a monomer polymerization curing procedure in vivo. Using a fused deposition modeling coordination framework, a precisely predetermined trajectory of the NIR laser enables the manufacture of implantable medical devices with tailored shapes. A proof of the 3D bioprinting of a noninvasive fracture fixation scaffold is achieved successfully, thus demonstrating an entirely new method of in vivo molding for biomedical treatment.

Bright photon upconversion in LiYbF4:Tm3+@LiYF4 nanoparticles and their application for singlet oxygen generation and in immunoassay for SARS-CoV-2 nucleoprotein

Photon upconversion is an intensively investigated phenomenon in the materials sciences due to its unique applications, mainly in biomedicine for disease prevention and treatment. This study reports the synthesis and properties of tetragonal LiYbF4:Tm3+@LiYF4 core@shell nanoparticles (NPs) and their applications. The NPs had sizes ranging from 18.5 to 23.7 nm. As a result of the energy transfer between Yb3+ and Tm3+ ions, the synthesized NPs show intense emission in the ultraviolet (UV) range up to 347 nm under 975 nm excitation. The bright emission in the UV range allows for singlet oxygen generation in the presence of hematoporphyrin on the surface of NPs. Our studies show that irradiation with a 975 nm laser of the functionalized NPs allows for the production of amounts of singlet oxygen easily detectable by Singlet Oxygen Sensor Green. The high emission intensity of NPs at 800 nm allowed the application of the synthesized NPs in an upconversion-linked immunosorbent assay (ULISA) for highly sensitive detection of the nucleoprotein from SARS-CoV-2, the causative agent of Covid-19. This article proves that LiYbF4:Tm3+@LiYF4 core@shell nanoparticles can be perfect alternatives for the most commonly studied upconverting NPs based on the NaYF4 host compound and are good candidates for biomedical applications.

The Coming of Age of Neodymium: Redefining Its Role in Rare Earth Doped Nanoparticles

Among luminescent nanostructures actively investigated in the last couple of decades, rare earth (RE³⁺) doped nanoparticles (RENPs) are some of the most reported family of materials. The development of RENPs in the biomedical framework is quickly making its transition to the ∼800 nm excitation pathway, beneficial for both in vitro and in vivo applications to eliminate heating and facilitate higher penetration in tissues. Therefore, reports and investigations on RENPs containing the neodymium ion (Nd³⁺) greatly increased in number as the focus on ∼800 nm radiation absorbing Nd³⁺ ion gained traction. In this review, we cover the basics behind the RE³⁺ luminescence, the most successful Nd³⁺-RENP architectures, and highlight application areas. Nd³⁺-RENPs, particularly Nd³⁺-sensitized RENPs, have been scrutinized by considering the division between their upconversion and downshifting emissions. Aside from their distinctive optical properties, significant attention is paid to the diverse applications of Nd³⁺-RENPs, notwithstanding the pitfalls that are still to be addressed. Overall, we aim to provide a comprehensive overview on Nd³⁺-RENPs, discussing their developmental and applicative successes as well as challenges. We also assess future research pathways and foreseeable obstacles ahead, in a field, which we believe will continue witnessing an effervescent progress in the years to come.

Decoupled Rare-Earth Nanoparticles for On-Demand Upconversion Photodynamic Therapy and High-Contrast Near Infrared Imaging in NIR IIb

Rare-earth doped multi-shell nanoparticles slated for theranostic applications produce a variety of emission bands upon near-infrared (NIR) excitation. Their downshifting emission is useful for high-contrast NIR imaging, while the upconversion light can induce photodynamic therapy (PDT). Unfortunately, integration of imaging and therapy is challenging. These modalities are better to be controlled independently so that, with the help of imaging, selective delivery of a theranostic agent at the site of interest could be ensured prior to on-demand PDT initiation. We introduce here multi-shell rare-earth doped nanoparticles (RENPs) arranged in a manner to produce only downshifting emission for NIR imaging when excited at one NIR wavelength and upconversion emission for therapeutic action by using a different excitation wavelength. In this work, multi-shell RENPs with a surface-bound sensitizer have been synthesized for decoupled 1550 nm downshifting emission upon 800 nm excitation and 550 nm upconversion emission caused by 980 nm irradiation. The independently controlled emission bands allow for high-contrast NIR imaging in NIR-IIb of optical transparency that gives high-contrast images due to significantly reduced light scattering. This can be conducted prior to PDT using 980 nm to produce upconverted light at 550 nm that excites the RENP surface-bound photosensitizer, Rose Bengal (RB), to effect photodynamic therapy with high specificity and safer theranostics.

Polymer brush coated upconverting nanoparticles with improved colloidal stability and cellular labeling

Upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) possess great potential for biomedical application. UCNPs absorb and convert near-infrared (NIR) radiation in the biological imaging window to visible (Vis) and even ultraviolet (UV) radiation. NIR excitation offers reduced scattering and diminished autofluorescence in biological samples, whereas the emitted UV-Vis and NIR photons can be used for cancer treatment and imaging, respectively. However, UCNPs are usually synthesized in organic solvents and are not readily suitable for biomedical application due to the hydrophobic nature of their surface. Herein, we have removed the hydrophobic ligands from the synthesized UCNPs and coated the bare UCNPs with two custom-made hydrophilic polyelectrolytes (synthesized via the reversible addition-fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization method). Polymers containing different amounts of PEGylated and carboxylic groups were studied. Coating with both polymers increased the upconversion (UC) emission intensity and photoluminescence lifetime values of the UCNPs, which directly translates to more efficient cancer cell labeling nanoprobes. The polymer composition plays a crucial role in the modification of UCNPs, not only with respect to their colloidal stability, but also with respect to the cellular uptake. Colloidally unstable bare UCNPs aggregate in cell culture media and precipitate, rendering themselves unsuitable for any biomedical use. However, stabilization with polymers prevents UCNPs from aggregation, increases their uptake in cells, and improves the quality of cellular labeling. This investigation sheds light on the appropriate coating for UCNPs and provides relevant insights for the rational development of imaging and therapeutic tools.

Red Light Optogenetics in Neuroscience

Optogenetics, a field concentrating on controlling cellular functions by means of light-activated proteins, has shown tremendous potential in neuroscience. It possesses superior spatiotemporal resolution compared to the surgical, electrical, and pharmacological methods traditionally used in studying brain function. A multitude of optogenetic tools for neuroscience have been created that, for example, enable the control of action potential generation via light-activated ion channels. Other optogenetic proteins have been used in the brain, for example, to control long-term potentiation or to ablate specific subtypes of neurons. In in vivo applications, however, the majority of optogenetic tools are operated with blue, green, or yellow light, which all have limited penetration in biological tissues compared to red light and especially infrared light. This difference is significant, especially considering the size of the rodent brain, a major research model in neuroscience. Our review will focus on the utilization of red light-operated optogenetic tools in neuroscience. We first outline the advantages of red light for in vivo studies. Then we provide a brief overview of the red light-activated optogenetic proteins and systems with a focus on new developments in the field. Finally, we will highlight different tools and applications, which further facilitate the use of red light optogenetics in neuroscience.

Terbium-doped LiYbF4 nanomaterial-based scintillator responding to X-rays with high-resolution imaging applications

As a new scintillation material, LiYbF4 nanocrystals exhibit high stability and strong absorption of X-rays, and appear competitive in high-resolution X-ray imaging with a spatial resolution of 20 LP mm−1 (MTF = 0.35).

The upconversion quantum yield (UCQY): a review to standardize the measurement methodology, improve comparability, and define efficiency standards

Advancing the upconversion materials field relies on accurate and contrastable photoluminescence efficiency measurements, which are characterised by the absolute upconversion quantum yield (UCQY). However, the methodology for such measurements cannot be extrapolated directly from traditional photoluminescence quantum yield techniques, primarily due to issues that arise from the non-linear behaviour of the UC process. Subsequently, no UCQY standards exist, and significant variations in their reported magnitude can occur between laboratories. In this work, our aim is to provide a path for determining and reporting the most reliable UCQYs possible, by addressing all the effects and uncertainties that influence its value. Here the UCQY standard, at a given excitation power density, is defined under a range of stated experimental conditions, environmental conditions, material properties, and influential effects that have been estimated or corrected for. A broad range of UCQYs reported for various UC materials are scrutinized and categorized based on our assertion of the provided information associated with each value. This is crucial for improved comparability with other types of photoluminescent materials, and in addition, the next generation of UC materials can be built on top of these reliable standards.

Highly Polarized Upconversion Emissions from Lanthanide-Doped LiYF4 Crystals as Spatial Orientation Indicators

Polarized emission, an inherent characteristic that correlated with structure and morphology, is very sensitive to orientation. For the upconversion (UC) emission of lanthanides, the mechanism of polarization is rarely discussed, and the highly polarized UC emissions are poorly developed. Herein, with the benefit of the strong anisotropic crystal field, well-resolved emissions from lanthanide-doped LiYF₄ crystals were studied, and highly polarized UC emissions from Er³⁺ and Ho³⁺ were investigated. With multiple sub-energy level transitions, the UC emissions are classified into two sets, with transition dipoles being either parallel or perpendicular to the c-axis of the LiYF₄ crystal. An optical three-dimensional orientation sensor was further investigated, in which the in-plane angle is referenced from the orientation of the transition dipoles. In contrast, the out-of-plane angle can be deduced from the change in the degree of polarization. This research deepens our understanding of the polarized photoluminescence, and it opens up an avenue toward unique UC orientation sensors.

Fast wide-field upconversion luminescence lifetime thermometry enabled by single-shot compressed ultrahigh-speed imaging

Photoluminescence lifetime imaging of upconverting nanoparticles is increasingly featured in recent progress in optical thermometry. Despite remarkable advances in photoluminescent temperature indicators, existing optical instruments lack the ability of wide-field photoluminescence lifetime imaging in real time, thus falling short in dynamic temperature mapping. Here, we report video-rate upconversion temperature sensing in wide field using single-shot photoluminescence lifetime imaging thermometry (SPLIT). Developed from a compressed-sensing ultrahigh-speed imaging paradigm, SPLIT first records wide-field luminescence intensity decay compressively in two views in a single exposure. Then, an algorithm, built upon the plug-and-play alternating direction method of multipliers, is used to reconstruct the video, from which the extracted lifetime distribution is converted to a temperature map. Using the core/shell NaGdF4:Er3+,Yb3+/NaGdF4 upconverting nanoparticles as the lifetime-based temperature indicators, we apply SPLIT in longitudinal wide-field temperature monitoring beneath a thin scattering medium. SPLIT also enables video-rate temperature mapping of a moving biological sample at single-cell resolution.

Uptake of Upconverting Nanoparticles by Breast Cancer Cells: Surface Coating versus the Protein Corona

Fluorophores with multifunctional properties known as rare-earth-doped nanoparticles (RENPs) are promising candidates for bioimaging, therapy, and drug delivery. When applied in vivo, these nanoparticles (NPs) have to retain long blood-circulation time, bypass elimination by phagocytic cells, and successfully arrive at the target area. Usually, NPs in a biological medium are exposed to proteins, which form the so-called "protein corona" (PC) around the NPs and influence their targeted delivery and accumulation in cells and tissues. Different surface coatings change the PC size and composition, subsequently deciding the fate of the NPs. Thus, detailed studies on the PC are of utmost importance to determine the most suitable NP surface modification for biomedical use. When it comes to RENPs, these studies are particularly scarce. Here, we investigate the PC composition and its impact on the cellular uptake of citrate-, SiO₂-, and phospholipid micelle-coated RENPs (LiYF₄:Yb³⁺,Tm³⁺). We observed that the PC of citrate- and phospholipid-coated RENPs is relatively stable and similar in the adsorbed protein composition, while the PC of SiO₂-coated RENPs is larger and highly dynamic. Moreover, biocompatibility, accumulation, and cytotoxicity of various RENPs in cancer cells have been evaluated. On the basis of the cellular imaging, supported by the inhibition studies, it was revealed that RENPs are internalized by endocytosis and that specific endocytic routes are PC composition dependent. Overall, these results are essential to fill the gaps in the fundamental understanding of the nano-biointeractions of RENPs, pertinent for their envisioned application in biomedicine.

Optimized photoluminescence quantum yield in upconversion composites considering the scattering, inner-filter effects, thickness, self-absorption, and temperature

Optimizing upconversion (UC) composites is challenging as numerous effects influence their unique emission mechanism. Low scattering mediums increase the number of dopants excited, however, high scattering mediums increase the UC efficiency due to its non-linear power dependency. Scattering also leads to greater thermal effects and emission saturation at lower excitation power density (PD). In this work, a photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) increase of 270% was observed when hexagonal NaYF4:(18%)Yb3+,(2%)Er3+ phosphor is in air compared to a refractive index-matched medium. Furthermore, the primary inner-filter effect causes a 94% PLQY decrease when the excitation focal point is moved from the front of the phosphor to 8.4 mm deep. Increasing this effect limits the maximum excitation PD, reduces thermal effects, and leads to emission saturation at higher excitation PDs. Additionally, self-absorption decreases the PLQY as the phosphor's thickness increases from 1 to 9 mm. Finally, in comparison to a cuboid cuvette, a 27% PLQY increase occurs when characterizing the phosphor in a cylindrical cuvette due to a lensing effect of the curved glass, as supported by simulations. Overall, addressing the effects presented in this work is necessary to both maximize UC composite performance as well as report their PLQY more reliably.

Switching to the brighter lane: pathways to boost the absorption of lanthanide-doped nanoparticles

Lanthanide-doped nanoparticles (LNPs) are speedily colonizing several research fields, such as biological (multimodal) imaging, photodynamic therapy, volumetric encoding displays, and photovoltaics. Yet, the electronic transitions of lanthanide ions obey the Laporte rule, which dramatically hampers their light absorption capabilities. As a result, the brightness of these species is severely restricted. This intrinsic poor absorption capability is the fundamental obstacle for untapping the full potential of LNPs in several of the aforementioned fields. Among others, three of the most promising physicochemical approaches that have arisen during last two decades to face the challenges of increasing LNP absorption are plasmonic enhancement, organic-dye sensitization, and coupling with semiconductors. The fundamental basis, remarkable highlights, and comparative achievements of each of these pathways for absorption enhancement are critically discussed in this minireview, which also includes a detailed discussion of the exciting perspectives ahead.

Inert Shell Effect on the Quantum Yield of Neodymium-Doped Near-Infrared Nanoparticles: The Necessary Shield in an Aqueous Dispersion

Lanthanide-doped nanoparticles (LnNPs) are versatile near-infrared (NIR) emitting nanoprobes that have led to their growing interest for use in biomedicine-related imaging. Toward the brightest LnNPs, high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) values are attained by implementing core/shell engineering, particularly with an optically inert shell. In this work, a thorough investigation is performed to quantify how an outer inert shell maintains the PLQY of Nd³⁺-doped LnNPs dispersed in an aqueous environment. Three relevant quantitative findings affecting the PLQY of Nd³⁺-doped LnNPs are identified: (i) the PLQY of core LnNPs is improved 3-fold upon inert shell coating; (ii) PLQY decreases with increasing Nd³⁺ doping despite the inert shell; and (iii) solvent quenching has a major influence on the PLQY of the LnNPs, though it is relatively lessened for high Nd³⁺ doping. Overall, we shed new light on the impact of the LnNP architecture on the NIR emission, as well as on the quenching effects caused by doping concentration and solvent molecules.