title: Near-Infrared-Sensitive Materials Based on Upconverting Nanoparticles.
abstract: The near-infrared (NIR) region of the spectrum is called the "therapeutic window" because NIR light can penetrate deeply into tissue. Therefore, NIR-sensitive materials are attractive for biomedical applications. Recently, upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) were used to construct NIR-sensitive materials. UCNPs convert NIR light to UV or visible light, which can trigger photoreactions of photosensitive materials. Here, how to use UCNPs to construct NIR-sensitive materials is introduced, applications of NIR-sensitive materials with a focus on biomedical applications are highlighted, and the associated challenges are discussed.
authors.affiliation: Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: Si
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research, Ackermannweg 10, 55128, Mainz, Germany.
authors.forename: Hans-Jürgen
authors.initials: HJ
authors.lastname: Butt
keywords: nanoparticles; near-infrared; photochemistry; stimuli-responsive materials; upconversion