Issue 26, 2018

Current progress in the controlled synthesis and biomedical applications of ultrasmall (<10 nm) NaREF4 nanoparticles

Abstract

The design and fabrication of rare earth upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)-based nanomedical platforms have evoked increasing interest. However, their bio-safety is always the most worrisome problem. Most nanoparticles can accumulate in the internal organs, leading to acute toxicity, a long-term inflammatory response, or even fibrosis and cancer. In contrast, ultrasmall (sub-10 nm) nanoparticles have minimal safety risk because they can escape from macrophages, pass biological barriers, and be easily degraded or excreted from the body. In this review, we mainly introduce new progress in preparation strategies, imaging and drug delivery with regards to ultrasmall UCNPs, with an emphasis on rare earth fluorides, NaREF4. Finally, we discuss the future outlook and challenges relating to ultrasmall UCNPs.

Graphical abstract: Current progress in the controlled synthesis and biomedical applications of ultrasmall (<10 nm) NaREF4 nanoparticles

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
20 Jän 2018
Accepted
26 Feb 2018
First published
27 Feb 2018

Dalton Trans., 2018,47, 8538-8556

Current progress in the controlled synthesis and biomedical applications of ultrasmall (<10 nm) NaREF4 nanoparticles

C. Li, L. Xu, Z. Liu, Z. Li, Z. Quan, A. A. Al Kheraif and J. Lin, Dalton Trans., 2018, 47, 8538 DOI: 10.1039/C8DT00258D

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