Bioimaging and prospects of night pearls-based persistence phosphors in cancer diagnostics

This review is directed at the bioimaging of persistent phosphors. Typical synthetic methods such as the high-temperature solid state, thermal decomposition, hydrothermal/solvothermal, and template methods are proposed. The luminescence mechanisms of persistent phosphors are discussed and effective matrixes including galliumate, germanium, aluminate, and fluoride is explored. Finally, persistence phosphors have the potential to improve the signal-to-noise ratio and sensitivity in bioimaging.

Abstract:

Inorganic persistent phosphors feature great potential for cancer diagnosis due to the long luminescence lifetime, low background scattering, and minimal autofluorescence. With the prominent advantages of near-infrared light, such as deep penetration, high resolution, low autofluorescence, and tissue absorption, persistent phosphors can be used for deep bioimaging. We focus on highlighting inorganic persistent phosphors, emphasizing the synthesis methods and applications in cancer diagnostics. Typical synthetic methods such as the high-temperature solid state, thermal decomposition, hydrothermal/solvothermal, and template methods are proposed to obtain small-size phosphors for biological organisms. The luminescence mechanisms of inorganic persistent phosphors with different excitation are discussed and effective matrixes including galliumate, germanium, aluminate, and fluoride are explored. Finally, the current directions where inorganic persistent phosphors can continue to be optimized and how to further overcome the challenges in cancer diagnosis are summarized.

Author list:

Ruipu Shang, Feifei Yang, Ge Gao, Yu Luo*, Hongpeng You, Lile Dong*

How to cite:

R. Shang, F. Yang, G. Gao, Y. Luo, H. You, L. Dong, Exploration 2024, 4, 20230124.
https://doi.org/10.1002/EXP.20230124