Overview

PEG-modified upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) combine the unique optical properties of upconversion materials with the beneficial properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG) modification. The upconversion properties enable the nanoparticles to convert low-energy infrared light into high-energy visible light, opening up several applications in areas such as bioimaging, biosensing, and photodynamic therapy. The PEG modification enhances the nanoparticle's biocompatibility and stability in biological systems. The PEG helps to minimize non-specific interactions and immune responses and prolongs nanoparticle circulation time in vivo. This modification also improves the solubility and dispersion of nanoparticles, facilitating their delivery and targeting to specific sites. In research and potential clinical applications, PEG-modified UCNPs provide a powerful tool for researchers to explore and develop novel therapeutic strategies and imaging techniques.

Unleash the Potential with Our Exceptional PEG-Modified UCNP Production

CD BioGlyco has made significant advancements in the GlycoNano™ Platform, enabling us to offer a comprehensive range of professional services. These services include not only Glyconanoparticle Development Service, Glycol Nanohydrogel Development Service, and Glycol Nanorod Production Service, but also several other specialized offerings. Among them, our PEG Glyconanoparticle Production Service has gained wide acclaim and popularity among our customers. This service is renowned for its high quality, efficiency, and precision, which have met and exceeded the expectations of our clients. The details of our PEG-modified UCNPs production service are as follows.

Synthetic Process

Firstly, we synthesize UCNPs with an inorganic core@shell structure where the core is Yb³⁺ and Tm³⁺ doped NaYF₄ and the shell is NaYF₄. Subsequently, the surface modification is carried out and the synthesized UCNPs are intercalated using the amphiphilic polymer. The amphiphilic polymer (e.g. PMAO) can be coated on the surface of UCNPs through the solvent evaporation technique. Next, cross-linking is performed using poly(ethylene glycol) diglycol ether (PEG-DGE). PEG-DGE with a molecular weight of 500 is selected to form a "core-crown" structure. The aqueous dispersion containing UCNPs is centrifuged and resuspended in PBS buffer, and a certain amount of aqueous PEG-DGE is added. The mixture undergoes vortexing, sonication, heating, and stirring. Finally, the mixture is centrifuged once again to remove unreacted cross-linkers and the precipitate is resuspended in PBS buffer.

Characterization & Biocompatibility Testing

In characterizing PEG-modified UCNPs, we use transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to image UCNPs. Samples are observed by dilution, sonication, and dropwise addition to a copper grid coated with 0.3% pioloform. This method provides information on the morphology and size of the nanoparticles. We analyze the pure UCNPs and their modified samples with PMAO and PEG-DGE by using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), which can help to confirm the presence of PEG-modified chemical structures and functional groups.

Our experts determine the concentration of non-adsorbed serum proteins in the presence of UCNPs by the Bradford method to assess the interaction of UCNPs with biological fluids. We analyze blood samples using a customized anti-Stokes fluorescence microscope to observe the distribution and amount of UCNPs in the blood.

Workflow

The workflow of our PEG-modified UCNP production is shown below.

Applications

• Due to its unique upconversion luminescence properties, it can perform high-resolution and high-contrast imaging in deep tissues, helping researchers to see cells, tissues, and organs in organisms more clearly.
• It can be used to detect various molecules and ions in living organisms, such as proteins, nucleic acids, and metal ions, providing a sensitive and accurate method for disease monitoring.
• It can be used to label and track specific types of cells to study cell migration, differentiation, and function.

Advantages

• Our efficient production process ensures the preparation of large quantities of nanoparticles with consistent properties for large-scale applications.
• We use mild preparation conditions to minimize damage to the structure and properties of the nanoparticles and to ensure their quality and activity.
• Our advanced production technology allows for precise control of the size and shape of the nanoparticles as a means of optimizing their optical properties and biodistribution.

Publication Data

Frequently Asked Questions

• How to ensure the quality and performance of nanoparticles during production?
  First of all, the quality and purity of raw materials should be strictly controlled, and high-quality and high-purity starting materials should be selected to minimize the influence of impurities. It is important to precisely control the reaction conditions, such as temperature, reaction time, solution concentration, pH value, etc., because these factors are crucial to the formation and properties of nanoparticles. At the same time, we monitor the reaction process in real time and use analytical techniques, such as spectroscopy and particle size analysis, to understand the situation and make adjustments.
• Is it possible to customize PEG-modified UCNPs for specific properties?
  Based on the detailed and specific requirements of our clients, we make rational, precise, and effective adjustments to the production process and all relevant parameters in a comprehensive and multi-dimensional manner.

CD BioGlyco is dedicated to offering you the outstanding PEG-modified UCNPs production service. Our devoted team, equipped with vast knowledge and sophisticated techniques, has a strong passion for creating high-quality PEG-modified UCNPs. If you are interested in our service, please contact us without any restraint!