Nanoparticles doped with rare earth ions for biomedical imaging and infrared photodynamic therapy (IRPDT) have been synthesized, characterized, and compared. Specifically, these nanoparticles utilize two primary modalities: near infrared excitation and emission for imaging, and near infrared upconversion for photodynamic therapy. These nanoparticles are optimized for both their infrared emission and upconversion energy transfer to a photoactive agent conjugated to the surface. Finally, these nanoparticles are tested for toxicity, imaged in cells using the near infrared emission pathway, and used for selective killing of cells through the upconversion driven IRPDT.

Date Published: 19 February 2013
PDF: 9 pages
Proc. SPIE 8594, Nanoscale Imaging, Sensing, and Actuation for Biomedical Applications X, 85940D (19 February 2013); doi: 10.1117/12.2004939

Published in SPIE Proceedings Vol. 8594:
Nanoscale Imaging, Sensing, and Actuation for Biomedical Applications X
Alexander N. Cartwright; Dan V. Nicolau, Editor(s)