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 mar 2020
Accepted
30 mar 2020
First published
02 apr 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

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