Lanthanide-doped fluoride nanoparticles: luminescence, upconversion, and biological applications
by Fiorenzo Vetrone, John A. Capobianco
International Journal of Nanotechnology (IJNT), Vol. 5, No. 9/10/11/12, 2008

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.

Online publication date: Sat, 09-Aug-2008

The full text of this article is only available to individual subscribers or to users at subscribing institutions.

 
Existing subscribers:
Go to Inderscience Online Journals to access the Full Text of this article.

Pay per view:
If you are not a subscriber and you just want to read the full contents of this article, buy online access here.

Complimentary Subscribers, Editors or Members of the Editorial Board of the International Journal of Nanotechnology (IJNT):
Login with your Inderscience username and password:

Username:        Password:          Forgotten your password?

Want to subscribe?
A subscription gives you complete access to all articles in the current issue, as well as to all articles in the previous three years (where applicable). See our Orders page to subscribe.

If you still need assistance, please email subs@inderscience.com