Advances and Challenges of Fluorescent Nanomaterials for Synthesis and Biomedical Applications

Abstract

With the rapid development of nanotechnology, new types of fluorescent nanomaterials (FNMs) have been springing up in the past two decades. The nanometer scale endows FNMs with unique optical properties which play a critical role in their applications in bioimaging and fluorescence-dependent detections. However, since low selectivity as well as low photoluminescence efficiency of fluorescent nanomaterials hinders their applications in imaging and detection to some extent, scientists are still in search of synthesizing new FNMs with better properties. In this review, a variety of fluorescent nanoparticles are summarized including semiconductor quantum dots, carbon dots, carbon nanoparticles, carbon nanotubes, graphene-based nanomaterials, noble metal nanoparticles, silica nanoparticles, phosphors and organic frameworks. We highlight the recent advances of the latest developments in the synthesis of FNMs and their applications in the biomedical field in recent years. Furthermore, the main theories, methods, and limitations of the synthesis and applications of FNMs have been reviewed and discussed. In addition, challenges in synthesis and biomedical applications are systematically summarized as well. The future directions and perspectives of FNMs in clinical applications are also presented.

Photodynamic Therapeutic Effect of Nanostructured Metal Sulfide Photosensitizers on Cancer Treatment

“…Currently, there are active research in progress in the field of nanotechnology in developing PSs with greater tumor selectivity, enhanced hydrophilicity, and strong photosensitivity to yield a reliable photodynamic reaction. The studies show that metal nanoparticles such as gold, silver and copper, manganese, aluminum nanoparticles; organic–inorganic hybrid nanoparticles, metal oxide nanoparticles, metal sulfide nanoparticles, Cd-free nanostructured metal chalcogenides (NMCs) have been extensively investigated in PDT [ 22 – 25 ]. While nanoparticles surface endows increased chemical activity, they require relatively low-power radiation to lead photo-stimulated reaction to generate singlet oxygen [ 26 ].…”

Progress on carbon dots and hydroxyapatite based biocompatible luminescent nanomaterials for cancer theranostics

“…Due to their nanometric size, large surface area and excellent luminescence properties, nanophosphors play a major role in the emergence of domains, including LED technology, radiation dosimetry and scintillator for biomedical applications [5] , [6] , [7] , [8] , [9] . Various luminescent materials such as quantum dots, lanthanide (Ln) doped crystals, carbon dots, and metallic nanoparticles like silver and gold are reported [10] . They possess advantages like controllable size, tunable and narrow spectra, excellent photostability and a large surface for anchoring targeting biomolecules in combination with resilience to physiological conditions.…”

High Fructose Concentration Increases the Fluorescence Stability of DNA-Templated Copper Nanoclusters by Several Thousand Times

“…Fluorescent nanomaterials have received increasing attention for biomedical and imaging applications because of their strong photoluminescence, excellent photostability, and biocompatibility compared to organic fluorescent dyes. , The representative examples of these nanomaterials are fluorescent quantum dots and fluorescent metal nanoclusters (NCs). Quantum dots have a narrow emission spectrum, high quantum yield, and excellent photostability; however, they require high-temperature or high-pressure synthesis conditions and often include highly toxic cadmium or lead. − Meanwhile, NCs are ≤2 nm nanostructures composed of a few atoms and prepared under mild synthesis conditions. − Moreover, NCs exhibit controllable fluorescence properties because of their size and surface ligands. , Various types of NCs have been described to date according to the metal ion or template used for their synthesis.…”

“…F luorescent nanomaterials have received increasing attention for biomedical and imaging applications because of their strong photoluminescence, excellent photostability, and biocompatibility compared to organic fluorescent dyes. 1,2 The representative examples of these nanomaterials are fluorescent quantum dots and fluorescent metal nanoclusters (NCs). Quantum dots have a narrow emission spectrum, high quantum yield, and excellent photostability; however, they require high-temperature or high-pressure synthesis conditions and often include highly toxic cadmium or lead.…”