Photoswitchable avalanching nanoparticles
This technology is a photoswitchable probe material utilizing avalanching nanoparticles capable of toggling between light and dark states without measurable photodegradation.
Unmet Need: Non-phototoxic and photostable optical photoswitches
Photoswitchable probe material, including organic fluorophores and proteins, has expanded technology in imaging, nanophotonic, and optical data storage. However, these materials often photodegrade over time, require toxic excitation wavelengths in ultraviolet or visible light, or have limited penetration into materials. Therefore, probes that exhibit stability over time with repeated emission without phototoxic doses of light are necessary to improve the current field.
The Technology: Nanoparticles with near-infrared photoswitching abilities
This technology describes lanthanide-core avalanching nanoparticles that are capable of photoswitching between light and dark states in near-infrared wavelengths. Specifically, the nanoparticles can be photodarkened under NIR-II irradiation and recovered under NIR-I irradiation. Photoswitching is possible in both ambient and aqueous conditions, broadening applications to biomedicine. No photodegradation is observed even after over 1000 cycles, demonstrating limitless photoswitching.
Applications:
- Nanophotonics
- Optical data storage
- Superresolution imaging
- Nanopatterning
- Optogenetics
Advantages:
- Photoswitchable
- Photostable and nondegradable
- Able to access bright and dark states
- Sub-nanometer accuracy measurements
Lead Inventor:
Patent Information:
Patent Pending (US20250251344)
Related Publications:
Tech Ventures Reference:
IR CU23036
Licensing Contact: Greg Maskel