Recent Progress in Controlled Synthesis of Persistent Luminescence Nanomaterials for Diagnosis Applications

Persistent luminescence nanomaterials with special optical characteristics can remain luminescent after cessation of excitation. By collecting the persistent luminescence signal after autofluorescence decays, autofluorescence interference can be efficiently eliminated. Additionally, the interference of light scattering can also be avoided since in situ light excitation is not involved, leading to improved sensitivity in biodetection and bioimaging. Owing to the distinct optical properties, persistent luminescence nanoparticles opened a new door to the biological applications from biosensing/bioimaging to theranostics. Recently, controlled synthesis of persistent luminescence nanomaterials with improved luminescent properties and biocompatibility has attracted great attention with the increasing need for in vitro biodetection and in vivo bioimaging. In this review, we firstly summarize the controlled synthesis method for persistent luminescence nanomaterials, such as sol-gel method, hydrothermal method, thermal decomposition method, template method, etc. Secondly, the application of the persistent luminescence nanomaterials for diagnosis both in vitro and in vivo are further discussed. Given the potential of persistent luminescence nanomaterials in biosensing, the current challenges and future perspective are also discussed.