Graphene quantum dot-rare earth upconversion nanocages with extremely high efficiency of upconversion luminescence, stability and drug loading towards controlled delivery and cancer theranostics

Rare earth upconversion nanoparticle and graphene quantum dot have attracted a great research interest in biomedicine, but they all have some inherent defects as nanocarriers for in vivo drug delivery system. The study reported one new concept for fabrication of graphene quantum dot-rare earth upconversion hybrid via coordination between rare earth ion and histidine and octadecylamine-functionalized graphene quantum dot and subsequent fluoride...