Upconversion nanoparticles in biomedical applications: Its potential for early diagnosis of cancer and telomeric activity

Abstract

In this review, we have focused our attention on figuring out the intriguing potential of upconversion nanoparticles. For this aim, the properties of upconversion nanoparticles were summarized in terms of photoelectrochemical analysis and their sensing and treating cancers. Furthermore, the basic principles and advantages of their luminescent properties were pointed out as well as emphasizing their possibilities to incorporate into the emerging composite materials. Moreover, the strategies for their surface functionalities for targeting cancer tissues and simultaneous imaging and treating methods. In the end, the potential of telomerase concerning early cancer diagnosis was compiled.