Theranostic and bioimaging applications of lanthanide-doped upconversion core/shell nanostructures

Abstract

Lanthanide-doped upconversion (UC) core/shell nanostructures have displayed unique luminescence features that have progressed biomedical science to newer heights. Several biomedical challenges, which were once depicted to be daunting, were easily addressed by introducing optical probes based on the UC phenomenon. UC cores with single-shell or multi-shell nanostructures can be introduced in vivo by making them biocompatible with suitable surface modifications. Such nanoprobes can be configured with other modalities to produce multi-modal imaging of tissues or cells, while simultaneously resolving the molecular signatures responsible for their disorders. Besides, these nanoprobes have demonstrated excellent sensitivity for the detection of biomolecules, metal ions and gas molecules, as well as temperature and pH-sensing at the cellular level. This chapter reviews the breakthrough achievements produced by UC core/shell nanostructures in the diverse sectors of biomedical applications and their spectacular contributions towards the integration of diagnostics with therapy by engineering efficient nanoprobes for imaging-guided therapy.