Authors:
Rafia Rafique
and
Tae Jung Park
Affiliation:
Department of Chemistry, Chung-Ang University, Seoul 06974, Republic of Korea
Keyword(s):
Upconversion Nanoparticle, Photoluminescence, Cytotoxicity, Live Cell Imaging.
Abstract:
Advancements in the synthesis of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNP) can enable a broad range of biomedical applications. Herein, we fabricated NaYF4:Yb3+/Er3+ UCNP and polyacrylic acid conjugated UCNPs (UCNP@PAA). Characterizations of the resulting particles were conducted using electron microscopy and spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and upconversion luminescence (UCL) analysis. We demonstrated that particles were synthesized with good homogeneity, hexagonal phase, and UCL efficiency. The UCNP@PAA maintained their original particle size and luminescence properties, cellular nontoxicity, in vitro bioimaging, and biocompatibility. Based on these results, we suggest that these particles can be applied in drug-delivery systems and as bioimaging agents in the future.