DNA-functionalized upconversion nanoparticles as biosensors for rapid, sensitive, and selective detection of Hg(2+) 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 Hg(2+) in complex matrices. The proposed approach is simple and exhibits low background interference, high sensitivity and rapid response.