A recent study published in Advanced Science from the Changchun Institute of Optics, Fine Mechanics and Physics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, developed a novel application of lanthanide-doped nanoparticles (LnNPs) to improve both biomedical imaging and information encryption. These nanoparticles use second near-infrared (NIR-II) emissions to enable high-resolution fluorescence imaging and offer advanced data security solutions through optical coding. The use of NIR-II light is crucial for reducing background noise in imaging while allowing deeper tissue penetration. The research team synthesized orthogonal NIR-IIb/c emitting nanoparticles by doping Tm3+ and Er3+ into a multi-layer core-shell structure. The nanoparticles emitted two distinct wavelengths, 1530 nm and 1825 nm, under different NIR excitations (808 and 980 nm), effectively separating the emissions spatially. Using a coprecipitation method, the researchers controlled the nanoparticle layers, optimizing their photoluminescence properties and preventing energy crosstalk between Tm3+ and Er3+. These properties were confirmed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), which verified the nanoparticle's composition and structure.
The study found that the unique design of these orthogonal luminescent nanoparticles allowed for deeper tissue imaging compared to traditional fluorescence imaging techniques. The researchers demonstrated how this could be applied to real-time blood vessel depth detection by using the different optical properties of NIR-II light. Furthermore, these nanoparticles were used to encrypt data, creating binary matrices and quick-response (QR) codes that could only be decoded with specific NIR excitations. The optical signals from these nanoparticles ensured high security for data encryption, as only those with the proper decoding tools could access the hidden information.
These lanthanide-doped nanoparticles present significant advancements in both biomedical fields and data encryption technologies. Their ability to penetrate deep into tissues while minimizing background noise makes them ideal for non-invasive medical imaging, particularly for detecting vascular diseases. Additionally, their application in data encryption offers robust protection against counterfeiting and unauthorized access, with potential use in secure data transmission and storage.
The research highlights the potential of lanthanide-doped nanoparticles as a multifunctional tool for both advanced biomedical imaging and secure data encryption. By leveraging orthogonal NIR-II emissions, this technology can transform fields ranging from healthcare to information security, offering both enhanced performance and versatility.
中文
