Article: Lanthanide-doped fluoride nanoparticles: luminescence, upconversion, and biological applications Journal: International Journal of Nanotechnology (IJNT) 2008 Vol.5 No.9/10/11/12 pp.1306 - 1339 Abstract: There has recently been a surge of interest in the luminescence of lanthanide (Ln3+) ions doped in fluoride nanoparticles due to their potential for use in a number of diverse fields. Due to their remarkable optical properties, efforts are underway to investigate these nanoparticles for biotechnological applications, for example as fluorescent biolabels. Ln3+-doped fluoride nanoparticles can be excited with near-infrared (NIR) radiation and in turn, will efficiently convert the NIR light to visible, a process known as upconversion, resolving the problem of autofluorescence from biological species. In this review, we describe some selected examples of the luminescence (including upconversion) of fluoride nanoparticles doped with various Ln3+ ions and present strategies used to improve the luminescence (core/shell). Dispersibility of the Ln3+-doped nanoparticles in water is vital for biological use thus we discuss the optical properties of fluoride nanoparticles that have been either synthesised in an aqueous medium, or have been surface engineered to render them water dispersible. Finally, we discuss the state of the art in biological uses of Ln3+-doped fluoride nanoparticles. Inderscience Publishers - linking academia, business and industry through research

Title: Lanthanide-doped fluoride nanoparticles: luminescence, upconversion, and biological applications

Authors: Fiorenzo Vetrone, John A. Capobianco

Addresses: Institut National de la Recherche Scientifique-Energie, Materiaux et Telecommunications, Universite du Quebec, 1650 Boul. Lionel-Boulet, Varennes, QC J3X 1S2, Canada. ' Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Concordia University, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal, QC H4B 1R6, Canada

Abstract: There has recently been a surge of interest in the luminescence of lanthanide (Ln³⁺) ions doped in fluoride nanoparticles due to their potential for use in a number of diverse fields. Due to their remarkable optical properties, efforts are underway to investigate these nanoparticles for biotechnological applications, for example as fluorescent biolabels. Ln³⁺-doped fluoride nanoparticles can be excited with near-infrared (NIR) radiation and in turn, will efficiently convert the NIR light to visible, a process known as upconversion, resolving the problem of autofluorescence from biological species. In this review, we describe some selected examples of the luminescence (including upconversion) of fluoride nanoparticles doped with various Ln³⁺ ions and present strategies used to improve the luminescence (core/shell). Dispersibility of the Ln³⁺-doped nanoparticles in water is vital for biological use thus we discuss the optical properties of fluoride nanoparticles that have been either synthesised in an aqueous medium, or have been surface engineered to render them water dispersible. Finally, we discuss the state of the art in biological uses of Ln³⁺-doped fluoride nanoparticles.

Keywords: luminescence; upconversion; fluoride nanoparticles; nanocrystals; colloids; NaYF₄; LnF₃; lanthanide ions; lanthanide doping; water-dispersible; biolabels; bioassay; FRET; optical properties; nanotechnology; biological applications.

DOI: 10.1504/IJNT.2008.019840

International Journal of Nanotechnology, 2008 Vol.5 No.9/10/11/12, pp.1306 - 1339

Published online: 09 Aug 2008 *

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Title: Lanthanide-doped fluoride nanoparticles: luminescence, upconversion, and biological applications

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