Functional Nanohybrids Based on Dyes and Upconversion Nanoparticles

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and dyes are combined to make nanohybrid systems, which take advantage of the synergic relationship between lanthanide (Ln)-based UCNPs and dyes. Ln-UCNPs are inorganic nanophosphors which absorb NIR light and emit narrow emission bands in the UV-NIR region with long luminescence lifetimes. These unique properties, when coordinated properly with dyes of the appropriate photophysical features, produce nanosystems with new photophysical properties. In this context, the UCNP-dye nanohybrids are very promising for potential sensing (ions and biomolecules) and theragnosis (imaging and therapy, e.g. photodynamic therapy).