Chromium-Doped Zinc Gallate Near-Infrared Persistent Luminescence Nanoparticles in Autofluorescence-Free Biosensing and Bioimaging: A Review

Near-infrared (NIR) persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) are an emerging optical probe that can emit NIR light for a long time after light illumination has been stopped. NIR PLNPs can completely prevent autofluorescence caused by excitation light, thus considerably improving the sensitivity of biosensing and bioimaging. Cr3+-doped ZnGa2O4 (ZGC) NPs, as one of the most representative NIR PLNPs, have drawn extensive attention because of the excellent persistent luminescence (PersL) property, high chemical stability, and variable excitation light source (UV light, LED, NIR laser, X-ray, or radiopharmaceuticals). Therefore, ZGC NPs have been widely used in autofluorescence-free biosensing and bioimaging. In this review, we first discuss the structure, PersL mechanism, rational design, and synthesis strategy of ZGC NPs. Subsequently, we summarize recent advanced applications of ZGC NPs for autofluorescence-free biosensing and bioimaging. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future prospects of ZGC NPs in biomedical applications.

Automated summary

ZGC NPs, as a representative of NIR PLNPs, have drawn extensive attention in autofluorescence-free biosensing and bioimaging due to their persistent luminescence property and high chemical stability. Their potential applications in biomedical field are promising.