DNA-functionalized upconversion nanoparticles as biosensors for rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of Hg2+ in complex matrices

We have developed a facile one-step approach to make hydrophilic and DNA-functionalizable upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs), which are used to act as a biosensor for determining Hg2+ in complex matrices. The proposed approach is simple and exhibits low background interference, high sensitivity and rapid response.