Issue 35, 2017

Near-infrared photochemistry at interfaces based on upconverting nanoparticles

Abstract

Near-infrared (NIR) light is better suited than ultraviolet (UV) light for biomedical applications because it penetrates deeper into tissue and causes less photodamage to biological systems. The use of NIR light to control biointerfaces has attracted increasing interest. Here, we review NIR photoreactions at interfaces based on upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs). UCNPs can convert NIR light to UV or visible light, which can then induce photoreactions of photosensitive compounds. This process is referred to as UCNP-assisted photochemistry. Recently, we and others demonstrated UCNP-assisted photochemistry at interfaces to control interfacial properties of nano-carriers, implants, emulsions, and cells. We introduce the fundamentals of UCNP-assisted photochemistry at interfaces, highlight its potential applications, and discuss remaining challenges.

Graphical abstract: Near-infrared photochemistry at interfaces based on upconverting nanoparticles

Article information

Article type
Perspective
Submitted
22 Mar 2017
Accepted
02 May 2017
First published
03 May 2017
This article is Open Access
Creative Commons BY license

Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017,19, 23585-23596

Near-infrared photochemistry at interfaces based on upconverting nanoparticles

S. Wu and H. Butt, Phys. Chem. Chem. Phys., 2017, 19, 23585 DOI: 10.1039/C7CP01838J

This article is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported Licence. You can use material from this article in other publications without requesting further permissions from the RSC, provided that the correct acknowledgement is given.

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