Themed collection UPCON24 – Upconversion Nanomaterials

Ultra-fast upconverted room temperature quantum superfluorescence promises more photons per unit time. This article explores superfluorescence and how these particles can be considered as second-generation quantum technology materials.

Upconverting nanoparticle thermometry enables operando characterization of lithium battery internal temperatures with high temporal and spatial resolution.

Obsolescence of proprietary systems can render valuable scientific instruments useless. Here we refurbished and enhanced a spectrofluorometer, enabling full optical characterization of upconversion nanoparticles.

Strategies for the surface modification of upconversion nanoparticles were explored, and the prepared conjugates were employed as labels in immunoassays for cancer biomarker detection.

True atomic positions were determined for β-NaYF₄ (:Ln³⁺) using density functional theory. The arrangement of the F⁻ ions closest to doping sites is strongly affected by the occupation of disordered sites reducing their effective point group to C₁.

Poly(N,N-dimethylacrylamide-co-2-aminoethylacrylate)-alendronate-coated core–shell upconversion nanoparticles have considerable potential for effective delivery of hypericin to tumors. The particles enabled multimodal detection of cancer cells.

NIR-triggered drug release from upconversion nanoparticles functionalized with mesoporous silica shells destroys the nuclei of cancer cells.

New PEG-coated upconversion nanoparticles conjugated with Flamma® dye demonstrated superior imaging and targeting of pancreatic tumor-bearing mice after intraperitoneal administration.