Gold and Hairpin DNA Functionalization of Upconversion Nanocrystals for Imaging and In Vivo Drug Delivery. Issue 18 (10th March 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Han, Sanyang; Samanta, Animesh; Xie, Xiaoji; Huang, Ling; Peng, Juanjuan; Park, Sung Jin; Teh, Daniel Boon Loong; Choi, Yongdoo; Chang, Young‐Tae; All, Angelo Homayoun; Yang, Yanmei; Xing, Bengang; Liu, Xiaogang
• Is Part Of: Advanced materials. Volume 29:Issue 18(2017)
• Page Start: n/a
• Page End: n/a
• Publication Date: 2017-03-10
• Subjects: deep tissue imaging -- drug delivery -- hairpin DNA -- surface functionalization -- upconversion nanoprobes; Materials -- Periodicals; Chemical vapor deposition -- Periodicals; 620.11
• DOI: 10.1002/adma.201700244
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0935-9648

Abstract

Abstract : Although multifunctional upconversion imaging probes have recently attracted considerable interest in biomedical research, there are currently few methods for stabilizing these luminescent nanoprobes with oligonucleotides in biological systems. Herein, a method to robustly disperse upconversion nanoprobes in physiological buffers based on rational design and synthesis of nanoconjugates comprising hairpin‐DNA‐modified gold nanoparticles is presented. This approach imparts the upconversion nanoprobes with excellent biocompatibility and circumvents the problem of particle agglomeration. By combining single‐band anti‐Stokes near‐infrared emission and the photothermal effect mediated by the coupling of gold to upconversion nanoparticles, a simple, versatile nanoparticulate system for simultaneous deep‐tissue imaging and drug molecule release in vivo is demonstrated. Abstract : Current strategies for surface functionalization often yield the resulting upconversion nanoparticles with limited biocompatibility, specificity, functionality, and dispersibility in high‐salt physiological environment. To this end, a rational design and synthesis of hairpin DNA‐functionalized upconversion/gold nanoprobes is presented featuring improved stability, which is particularly useful for deep‐tissue drug delivery.