Application of perovskites in bioimaging: the state-of-the-art and future developments

ABSTRACT

Background

Recently, the development of perovskite-based nanocrystals for sustainable applications in bioimaging and clinical diagnostics have become a very active area of research. From 2D hybrid to zero-dimensional quantum dots (QDs), perovskites along with a variety of characteristic features, specifically non-linear optoelectronics properties, have attracted enormous research attention. These characteristics can be tuned by the type of cations or anions and their ratio used in host perovskites. Carrier doping and chemical modifications are additional alternatives to control optical and magnetism in radiodiagnostics.

Area covered

This review begins by explaining the physical phenomena associated with luminescence or optical features of novel perovskites in diagnostic applications. Moreover, reported oxide, halide, doped, and QDs-based nanoprobes were elaborated. At last, the need for novel perovskite development, for example, persistent luminescent and low cytotoxicity is discussed, and the futuristic perspective of perovskites in clinical diagnostics with real-time demonstration is explained.

Expert opinion

Our article concludes that hybrid perovskites, including metal-free, core-shell nanocomposites-based, and alloy-based perovskites, exhibit tunable bandgap and high photoluminescence quantum yields which ultimately result in high optical features. However, given limited understanding of ion transport mechanisms and dependency on environmental conditions of the perovskites, more research is needed.

KEYWORDS:

• Perovskite
• nanocrystal
• luminescence
• optoelectronics
• bioimaging
• diagnostics

Article highlights

• Explains the mechanism of action of perovskites and their applications in bioimaging.

• Detailed analysis of perovskites in bioimaging, such as radiodiagnosis and cell imaging.

• Oxide/halide-based, quantum dots, magnetic, and doped perovskites are reported in diagnostics.

• Applications of advanced perovskites are highlighted for future perspectives in medical science.

Declaration of interest

The authors have no relevant affiliations or financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.

Reviewers disclosure

Peer reviewers on this manuscript have no relevant financial relationships or otherwise to disclose.

Additional information

Funding

The work is financially supported through Extramural Research grant (File No. EMR/2016/007564) by Science and Engineering Research Board (SERB), Government of India; and Technology Development Program (TDP) (File No. TDP/BDTD/33/2019), Department of Science and Technology (DST), Government of India, which are highly acknowledged.