Research Progress and Application of Rare Earth Luminescent Materials in Biomedicine

Abstract

Rare earth luminescence stands out as a key function of rare earth compounds. The variation in the number of 4f orbital electrons across rare earth elements results in a complex energy level structure, leading to a multitude of absorption and emission bands for rare earth ions. This distinctive feature allows these ions to emit light across a spectrum ranging from the near-infrared to the ultraviolet. Over recent years, rare earth luminescent materials, with their unique optical, electrical, and magnetic properties, have demonstrated significant potential in applications such as solar cell sensitization, catalysis, sensing, and particularly in the realms of bioluminescence imaging and medical diagnostics and treatment. The drive to enhance the efficiency of biomedical diagnostics and therapeutics has spurred ongoing research into the synthesis and properties of rare earth nanomaterials. In recent years, researchers have leveraged the small size and rich surface chemistry of rare earth nanomaterials, combining these with their unique optical, electrical, and magnetic characteristics to create composite functional nanomaterials. These materials have shown promising applications in biofluorescent labeling, biosensing, and disease diagnosis and treatment. This article delves into the advancements of rare earth luminescent materials in biomedicine, covering applications such as X-ray imaging, drug delivery and photodynamic therapy, and offers insights and future perspectives for research in this area.