Nonstoichiometric Nanocubes with a Controllable Morphology and Persistent Luminescence for Autofluorescence-Free Biosensing

Abstract

Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) have shown special advantages in areas such as bioimaging, cancer therapy, stress sensing, and photo-biocatalysis. However, the lack of methods for controllable synthesis of PLNPs with uniform morphologies and strong persistent luminescence has seriously hindered the applications of PLNPs. Herein, we reported that modifying the electronic structures of zinc gallogermanate (ZGGO) PLNPs by nonstoichiometric reactions can produce highly uniform nanocubes with controllable size and persistent luminescence. By nonstoichiometric increase of the Ge/Ga ratio in ZGGO, the ZGGO PLNPs were transformed from a mixture of nanocubes and small nanospheres into highly symmetrical and uniform large nanocubes, accompanied by the enhancement of persistent luminescence intensity by about 3.7 times. Moreover, we found that ZGGO PLNPs were responsive to reactive oxygen species (ROS), that is, the persistent luminescence of ZGGO can be quenched by ROS. Autofluorescence-free serum ROS detection was achieved with the developed PLNPs. Further, a biosensing assay for glucose oxidase (GOx) was designed based on the responsiveness of ZGGO PLNPs to H2O2. This study may pave a new way for better control of PLNPs’ size, morphology, and persistent luminescence, and it can further promote the applications of PLNPs in areas ranging from theranostics to solar energy utilization.

Enhancing Persistent Luminescence through Synergy between Optimal Electron Traps and Dye Sensitization

“…With increasing Pr 3+ , the results were similar to Figure a, in which ZGCP 0.5 PLNPs were the strongest group, which indicated ZGCP 0.5 PLNPs have the highest trap density. Meanwhile, the peak position of TL curves provides information on the trap depth. , In order to achieve a quantitative analysis of the TL curves, a deconvolution method was used . Correspondingly, the asymmetry bands of TL were separated into several Gaussian bands based on the Gaussian equation for ZGCP 0 PLNPs and ZGCP 0.5 PLNPs in Figure S9.…”

“…Meanwhile, the peak position of TL curves provides information on the trap depth. 31,46 In order to achieve a quantitative analysis of the TL curves, a deconvolution method was used. 47 Correspondingly, the asymmetry bands of TL were separated into several Gaussian bands based on the Gaussian equation for ZGCP 0 PLNPs and ZGCP 0.5 PLNPs in Figure S9.…”

Improvement of Hydrogen Peroxide and Glucose Detection in Serum using Persistent Luminescent Nanoparticles: Impact of Synthesis Parameters and Particle Size

“…[24] Non-specific surface adsorption could be mitigated by developing new surface modification techniques. [24] A new detection method based on Persistent Luminescent Nanoparticles (PLNPs) is currently under development and holds great promise for in vitro applications, [25,26] Thanks to this persistent luminescence, these nanoparticles can be detected and accurately tracked, even in complex environments, making them a valuable tool for biomedical research, early disease diagnosis, and monitoring of in vitro biological reactions, [27,28] Furthermore, their colloidal stability in aqueous environments, insensitivity to visible light, and ease of synthesis make them an efficient choice for in vitro or in vivo biodetection, providing a significant advantage over other nanomaterials , [29,25] .…”

Lighting up endogenous H2O2 in the tumor microenvironment using a dual-mode nanoprobe for long afterglow and MR bioimaging

“…6 Currently, the application of PLNPs in the biomedical field is increasingly expanding, 7,8 including bioimaging, biosensing, disease diagnosis and treatment. 9–11 Wang and colleagues reported the direct synthesis of PLNPs via a hydrothermal method. The synthesized PLNPs were uniform in both shape and size, which enhanced their applicability in biomolecule detection.…”