Issue 16, 2020

Optimising FRET-efficiency of Nd3+-sensitised upconversion nanocomposites by shortening the emitter–photosensitizer distance

Abstract

Nd3+-Sensitised luminescent upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have gained interest recently as theranostics due to their near-infrared (NIR) light excitation with a better tissue penetration depth. One example is the core/shell design NaYF4:Yb,Er@Nd,Yb. When harvesting the upconversion energy in such architectures, the long emitter–photosensitizer (i.e. Er3+–PS) distances lead to inefficient Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET). Herein, we report a new nanocomposite NaYF4:Nd,Yb@Yb@Yb,Er@Y with Nd3+ ions in the core and Er3+ ions in the shell to shorten the Er–PS distance to achieve better FRET. Furthermore, an outer non-emitting protective Y3+ shell and a conducting Yb3+ shell reduced surface quenching and Er3+-to-Nd3+ energy back transfer effects, respectively. The upconversion FRET and downshifting emission efficiencies were simultaneously optimised by adjusting the thickness of the Y3+ shell, and the FRET efficiency was at least 3.7 times that of the reference NaYF4:Yb,Er@Yb@Nd,Yb@Y in a photodynamic therapy (PDT) model.

Graphical abstract: Optimising FRET-efficiency of Nd3+-sensitised upconversion nanocomposites by shortening the emitter–photosensitizer distance

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
04 мар 2020
Accepted
30 мар 2020
First published
02 апр 2020

Nanoscale, 2020,12, 8742-8749

Optimising FRET-efficiency of Nd3+-sensitised upconversion nanocomposites by shortening the emitter–photosensitizer distance

S. Lin and C. A. Chang, Nanoscale, 2020, 12, 8742 DOI: 10.1039/D0NR01821J

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements