Work

Mechanism‐Guided Engineering of Upconversion Nanoparticles for Antibacterial Phototherapy: From Photonic Principles to Translational Nanosystems

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: The emergence of multidrug-resistant (MDR) bacteria necessitates the development of next-generation antimicrobial strategies beyond conventional antibiotics. Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), owing to their anti-Stokes luminescence under near-infrared (NIR) excitation, offer a versatile platform for deep-tissue antibacterial photodynamic therapy (aPDT). This review focuses on the fundamental photonic mechanisms of UCNPs, including rational dopant selection, core-shell structural engineering, and spectral tuning strategies. These photophysical features are closely related to energy transfer pathways to PS-such as Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET), direct excitation, and under specific interfacial conditions, Dexter exchange-to optimize reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation efficiency. We also highlight advanced nanoplatforms that integrate UCNPs with stimuli-responsive carriers and targeting ligands, enabling site-specific activation, synergistic antibacterial functions, and multimodal therapeutic effects. Translational prospects and unresolved challenges are further discussed, with an emphasis on mechanistic insights and design principles toward clinically relevant UCNPs-enabled aPDT systems.

Source: Small

DOI: 10.1002/smll.75478

Authors: Zhe Li, Calum Johnston, Barbara Lonetti, Clément Roux

Institutions: Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Softmat - Chimie des colloïdes, polymères & assemblages complexes, Université de Toulouse, Laboratoire de Microbiologie et Génétique Moléculaires, Centre de Biologie Intégrative de Toulouse

Language: English

Topic: Luminescence Properties of Advanced Materials

Subfield: Materials Chemistry

Field: Materials Science

Domain: Physical Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $5,790