AUTHOR=Li Wenling , Zhang Guilong , Liu Lu TITLE=Near-Infrared Inorganic Nanomaterials for Precise Diagnosis and Therapy JOURNAL=Frontiers in Bioengineering and Biotechnology VOLUME=9 YEAR=2021 URL=https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/bioengineering-and-biotechnology/articles/10.3389/fbioe.2021.768927 DOI=10.3389/fbioe.2021.768927 ISSN=2296-4185 ABSTRACT=

Traditional wavelengths (400–700 nm) have made tremendous inroads in vivo fluorescence imaging. However, the ability of visible light photon penetration hampered the bio-applications. With reduced photon scattering, minimal tissue absorption and negligible autofluorescence properties, near-infrared light (NIR 700–1700 nm) demonstrates better resolution, high signal-to-background ratios, and deep tissue penetration capability, which will be of great significance for in-vivo determination in deep tissue. In this review, we summarized the latest novel NIR inorganic nanomaterials and the emission mechanism including single-walled carbon nanotubes, rare-earth nanoparticles, quantum dots, metal nanomaterials. Subsequently, the recent progress of precise noninvasive diagnosis in biomedicine and cancer therapy utilizing near-infrared inorganic nanomaterials are discussed. In addition, this review will highlight the concerns, challenges and future directions of near-infrared light utilization.