Issue 6, 2015

The biosafety of lanthanide upconversion nanomaterials

Abstract

Lanthanide upconversion nanophosphors (UCNPs) show unique upconversion luminescence where lower-energy photons (such as near-infrared (NIR) excitation) are converted into higher-energy photons covering the NIR to the UV region, and are considered to have a bright future in clinical translation. As UCNPs are used in a significant number of potential bio-applications, their biosafety is important and has attracted significant attention. In this critical review, recent reports regarding the cellular internalization, biodistribution, excretion, cytotoxicity and in vivo toxic effects of UCNPs are reviewed. In particular, the studies which evaluated the association between the chemical and physical properties of UCNPs and their biodistribution, excretion, and toxic effects are presented in detail. Finally, we also discuss the challenges of ensuring the biosafety of UCNPs in vivo.

Graphical abstract: The biosafety of lanthanide upconversion nanomaterials

Article information

Article type
Review Article
Submitted
19 May 2014
First published
12 Aug 2014

Chem. Soc. Rev., 2015,44, 1509-1525

Author version available

The biosafety of lanthanide upconversion nanomaterials

Y. Sun, W. Feng, P. Yang, C. Huang and F. Li, Chem. Soc. Rev., 2015, 44, 1509 DOI: 10.1039/C4CS00175C

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