title: Cubic sub-20 nm NaLuF(4)-based upconversion nanophosphors for high-contrast bioimaging in different animal species.
abstract: A new upconversion luminescence (UCL) nanophosphors based on host matrix of cubic NaLuF(4) with bright luminescence have been synthesized by a solvothermal method, facilitate the nanocrystals potential candidates for imaging in vivo, especially large-animals. The sub-20 nm NaLuF(4) co-doped Yb(3+) and Er(3+) (Tm(3+)) showed about 10-fold stronger UCL emission than that of corresponding hexagonal NaYF(4)-based nanocrystals with a 20 nm diameter. Near-infrared to near-infrared (NIR-to-NIR) UCL emission of PAA-coated NaLuF(4):20%Yb,1%Tm (PAA-Lu(Tm)) can penetrate >1.5 cm tissue of pork with high contrast. Based on super-strong UCL emission and deep penetration, PAA-Lu(Tm) as optical bioprobe has been demonstrated by in vivo UCL imaging of a normal black mouse, even rabbit with excellent signal-to-noise ratio. Furthermore, such cubic NaLuF(4)-based nanophosphor was applied in lymph node imaging of live Kunming mouse with rich white fur.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry & Institute of Biomedical Science & State Key Laboratory of Molecular Engineering of Polymers, Fudan University, Shangai 200433, PR China.
authors.forename: Tianshe
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Yun
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Sun
authors.forename: Qian
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.forename: Wei
authors.initials: W
authors.lastname: Feng
authors.forename: Pengyuan
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.forename: Fuyou
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Li
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D049449:Luminescence; D008163:Luminescent Measurements / Q000379:methods; D008198:Lymph Nodes / Q000033:anatomy & histology; D008422:Materials Testing; D008674:Metals, Rare Earth / Q000737:chemistry; D051379:Mice; D046529:Microscopy, Electron, Transmission; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D055620:Optical Phenomena; D011817:Rabbits; D013045:Species Specificity; D019265:Spectroscopy, Near-Infrared
chemical_list: D008674:Metals, Rare Earth