Engineering of Persistent Luminescence Nanoparticles for Bioimaging

The quest for biocompatible and efficient photoluminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) for bioimaging and disease treatment has intensified, driven by their ultra-slow persistent emission and ability to suppress autofluorescence interferences. This chapter provides an updated assessment of the current achievements of various PLNPs in imaging and therapeutic technologies, focusing on their use in delivering compounds to targets and influencing cellular absorption in living systems. Various excitation sources for in vivo optical imaging are proposed, requiring appropriate excitation wavelengths for super-resolution bioimaging. Hybrid PLNPs, combining optical and physical features, have been developed to enhance bioimaging modalities, leading to intriguing multimodal imaging as a nanoplatform for disease detection. Additionally, PLNPs coupled with functional units have found significant usage as theranostic materials, enabling simultaneous treatment and diagnosis of multiple diseases, including chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, and photodynamic therapy. Despite progress in developing smart nanoprobes based on PLNPs, further efforts are needed to engineer efficient PLNPs. Selecting the right activator and host matrix and employing co-doping techniques are crucial for improving luminescence properties. Understanding the physics underlying persistent luminescence mechanisms requires future investigation. Additionally, ensuring biocompatibility is essential for in vivo applications, considering size, structure, surface modification, and formulation. Innovative development of PLNPs holds substantial potential for a wide range of bio applications, including diagnosing and treating antibacterial and viral infections, tissue engineering, and cardiovascular disorders.