Advanced sensing, imaging, and therapy nanoplatforms based on Nd³⁺-doped nanoparticle composites exhibiting upconversion induced by 808 nm near-infrared light

Malignant tumors are currently the leading cause of death worldwide, followed by cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. Although various methods, such as blood examination, tissue biopsy, and radiography, for tumor detection, exist, these techniques still require further refinement. Researchers have recently explored the use of novel adjuvant methods, specifically luminescence imaging detection, for the detection of tumors. The light-triggered approach is less invasive and induces fewer side effects than traditional detection methods. This paper highlights recent advances in the design, property tuning, and applications of nanoparticles that exhibit upconversion under 808 nm excitation. When doped with neodymium ions, upconverted nanoparticles gain the ability to absorb 808 nm light. The advantageous unique features of 808 nm light include deep tissue penetration and limited thermal side effects. The 808 nm-excited upconverted nanoparticles exhibit superior potential for use in biosensing, bioimaging, therapy, and three-dimensional display. Thus, innovative theranostic nanoplatforms can be developed by incorporating 808 nm-excited upconverted nanoparticles with phototherapy agents. Such a composite technique is expected to possess the individual advantages of each material.