Coated up-conversion nanoparticles

Abstract

The invention provides novel biocompatible upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) that comprises a core of cubic nanocrystals (e.g., comprising α-Na Lna, Lnb Lnc F4) and an epitaxial shell (e.g., formed from CaF2; wherein Lnb is Yb), and related methods of preparation and uses thereof.

Description

PRIORITY CLAIMS AND RELATED PATENT APPLICATIONS[0001]This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. Nos. 61 / 653,406, filed May 30, 2012, and 61 / 765,019, filed Jul. 24, 2012, the entire content of each of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes.TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention generally relates to upconversion luminescence nano-structured material(s) and methods for preparation and uses thereof. More particularly, the invention relates to a novel biocompatible upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) comprising a core of cubic nanocrystals (e.g., comprising α-Na Lna, Lnb Lnc F4) and an epitaxial shell (e.g., formed from CaF2; wherein Lnb is Yb).BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION[0003]Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have recently emerged as a new class of materials with potential applications in a wide-range of fields, such as biosensing, chemical sensing, in vivo imaging, drug delivery, photodynamic thera...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The invention is about a new type of nanoparticle called UCNP (also known as a cubic nanocrystal) that can be used for drug delivery, gene therapy, and other medical applications. These nanoparticles have a unique structure that makes them biocompatible and can be activated with a specific laser to release their cargo. The UCNPs can be used to image animals and cells using whole body imaging. The technology also allows for the remote control of drug delivery and gene therapy. This patent is a valuable addition to the field of nanoparticle research and has many potential applications in medicine and biotechnology.

Problems solved by technology

Most photosensitizers are excited by visible or UV light, which has limited penetration depth due to the light absorption and scattering by biological tissues, resulting in ineffective diagnostic and therapeutic effects to internal or large tumors.

However, UCNPs are hindered by the potential toxicity of the lanthanides.

Moreover, most current protocols for synthesizing such UCNPs are not reliable and are not amenable to large-scale productions due to their inconvenient precursor pretreatments, multi-step phase-transitions, and / or long aging processes.

Yet, the byproduct of a water molecule from their high temperature reaction with the mixture of oleic acid and oleyl amine solvents lead to intense explosive boiling, and limiting the reproducibility of the synthesis and uniformity of the nanoparticle products.

In addition, such a complicated two-step approach also hinders the further development of UCNPs in a high throughput manner.

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