Nanostructure-based Tools for Fundamental Biochemical Studies

Fluorescent/luminescent (QDs, rare earth, afterglow)

nanoparticles and magnetic (iron oxide, Gd-doped)

nanoparticles are functional inorganic nanomaterials

that hold great potential for in vitro and in vivo disease

detections and treatments. Over the past years,

significant progress has been made in the development

of robust synthesis protocols which allow precise

control over composition, size, shape, surface properties

and uniformity of colloidal inorganic nanoparticles. Bio-application of these colloidal nanoparticles, such as quantitation of pathogens in human bodily fluids, has been widely studied. However, challenges like how to lower the detection limit remain a critical hurdle.

Background luminescence from human bodily fluids is a great obstacle for improving the detection sensitivity of fluorescence probe. Persistent luminescence nanoparticle (PLNP) is an emerging nanomaterial that remains luminescent after the excitation ceases (long decay time). In the past decade, PLNPs with intriguing optical properties have been developed and used in various biomedical research. In this project, we will develop a luminescent biosensing method free of auto-fluorescent interference using PLNPs for biosensing and bioimaging.