Homogeneous persistent luminescence nanocrystals and methods of preparation and application thereof

Abstract

This invention provides a groundbreaking approach to PLNPs and their preparation. In particular, the synthetic methodology disclosed herein fundamentally differs from the traditional solid-state annealing reactions that require extreme and harsh reaction conditions. In one unique aspect of the invention, a simple, one-step mesoporous template method utilizing mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) is disclosed that affords in vivo rechargeable NIR-emitting mesoporous PLNPs with uniform size and morphology. In another unique aspect of the invention, the novel synthetic approach is based on aqueous-phase chemical reactions conducted in mild conditions, resulting in uniform and homogeneous PLNPs with desired size control (e.g., sub-10 nm).

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 - 16 . (canceled) 
     
     
         17 . Rechargeable persistent luminescence nanocomposites comprising doped zinc gallates ZnGa 2 O 4 :Cr that are substantially uniform and homogeneous in particle sizes of less than about 1000 nm and have specific surface area from about 50 m 2 /g to about 600 m 2 /g, wherein the mesoporous persistent luminescence nanocomposites are capable of NIR-emitting in the range of 650 nm and 900 nm after multiple emission and recharge cycles. 
     
     
         18 . The rechargeable persistent luminescence nanocomposites of  claim 17 , being rechargeable in vivo by tissue-penetrable red excitation light. 
     
     
         19 . The rechargeable persistent luminescence nanocomposites of  claim 18 , capable of emitting multiple colored lights. 
     
     
         20 . The rechargeable persistent luminescence nanocomposites of  claim 17 , wherein the persistent luminescence nanocomposites are components of an imaging or diagnostic sensing probe or a labeling agent for a biomedical assay. 
     
     
         21 . The rechargeable persistent luminescence nanocomposites of  claim 17 , wherein the persistent luminescence nanocomposites are components of a drug delivery vehicle. 
     
     
         22 . The rechargeable persistent luminescence nanocomposites of  claim 17 , wherein the persistent luminescence nanocomposites are components of a therapeutic agent. 
     
     
         23 . The rechargeable persistent luminescence nanocomposites of  claim 17 , wherein the persistent luminescence nanocomposites are components of a nail polish. 
     
     
         24 . The rechargeable persistent luminescence nanocomposites of  claim 17 , wherein the persistent luminescence nanocomposites are components of a hair spray. 
     
     
         25 . The rechargeable persistent luminescence nanocomposites of  claim 17 , wherein the persistent luminescence nanocomposites are components of a latent fingermark in ink. 
     
     
         26 . The rechargeable persistent luminescence nanocomposites of  claim 17 , being homogenously dispersed in a solution or suspension. 
     
     
         27 . The rechargeable persistent luminescence nanocomposites of  claim 18 , wherein the NIR-emitting is detectable at least 10 hours after excitation.