Abstract
AbstractLanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have shown great promise in bioapplications. Exploring new host materials to realize efficient upconversion luminescence (UCL) output is a goal of general concern. Herein, we develop a unique strategy for the synthesis of novel LiLuF4:Ln3+ core/shell UCNPs with typically high absolute upconversion quantum yields of 5.0 % and 7.6 % for Er3+ and Tm3+, respectively. Based on our customized UCL biodetection system, we demonstrate for the first time the application of LiLuF4:Ln3+ core/shell UCNPs as sensitive UCL bioprobes for the detection of an important disease marker β subunit of human chorionic gonadotropin (β‐hCG) with a detection limit of 3.8 ng mL−1, which is comparable to the β‐hCG level in the serum of normal humans. Furthermore, we use these UCNPs in proof‐of‐concept computed tomography imaging and UCL imaging of cancer cells, thus revealing the great potential of LiLuF4:Ln3+ UCNPs as efficient nano‐bioprobes in disease diagnosis.
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