“Wet” Chemical Synthesis and Manipulation of Upconversion Nanoparticles

Abstract

One of the most important applications of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) is bioapplication. A crucial issue facing the use of hydrophobic UCNPs for bioapplications is to render them water soluble and provide reactive groups for subsequent bioconjugation to various biomolecules. Surface modification can act as the bridge between the synthesis and biomedical applications of UCNPs. Surface modification of the UCNPs should not only improve the photostability of the nanoparticles with desirable interfacial properties, but also provide a potential platform for attaching biological molecules and other conjugated materials for various biomedical applications.