Characterization of upconversion nanoparticles by fluorescence spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis

Abstract

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are a novel class of luminescent tags for applications in life and material sciences. Unlike traditional fluorophores, UCNPs exhibit emission of shorter wavelength under near-infrared excitation (typically 980 nm). In this work, we have examined these unique photophysical properties by fluorescence spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis. UCNPs co-doped with Yb(III) and Er(III) were characterized using laboratory-made fluorescence spectrometer. We have exploited and evaluated two excitation sources and the dependence of the fluorescence of UCNPs on the relative excitation power. Moreover, capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence (CE-LIF) detection was for the first time used for characterization of the nanoparticles. It was proved that CE-LIF is a valuable method to be used for investigation of upconversion luminiscence and monitoring of the interactions of UCNPs with other molecules of interest.Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are a novel class of luminescent tags for applications in life and material sciences. Unlike traditional fluorophores, UCNPs exhibit emission of shorter wavelength under near-infrared excitation (typically 980 nm). In this work, we have examined these unique photophysical properties by fluorescence spectrometry and capillary electrophoresis. UCNPs co-doped with Yb(III) and Er(III) were characterized using laboratory-made fluorescence spectrometer. We have exploited and evaluated two excitation sources and the dependence of the fluorescence of UCNPs on the relative excitation power. Moreover, capillary electrophoresis with laser-induced fluorescence (CE-LIF) detection was for the first time used for characterization of the nanoparticles. It was proved that CE-LIF is a valuable method to be used for investigation of upconversion luminiscence and monitoring of the interactions of UCNPs with other molecules of interest.