Upcon™ upconverting nanoparticle (UCNP) system is a comprehensive concept built around a novel labeling technology based on photon upconversion. The Upcon system is a one-of-a-kind complete solution that includes brightly luminescent upconverting nanoparticles, easy-to-use and robust instruments, software, and technical support, bringing the great benefits of the technology to research laboratories and point-of-care applications.

Upcon eliminates autofluorescence and scattered excitation light, offering a unique concept with high sensitivity and great performance for life science applications, research, and diagnostics. The sensitivity of Upcon is several hundred-fold higher compared to lateral flow assay formats based on visual detection.

In Upcon, the label is excited at long wavelengths—near-infrared excitation (NIR; λ = 980 nm)—and emission is detected at shorter, visible wavelengths (VIS). As a result, autofluorescence will not disturb detection at visible wavelengths and thus the emission signal is exceptionally clear.

In Upcon, the label is excited at long wavelengths (NIR, near-infrared excitation) and emission is detected at shorter wavelengths (VIS, visible light).

Upcon™ enables measurement without photobleaching, self-quenching, or autofluorescence. Green curve, emission signal; yellow line, laser excitation; blue curve, autofluorescence.

Key facts

• Exceptional labeling technology utilizing brightly luminescent Upcon™ upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs)
• Sensitive detection even through tissue and in whole blood
• Measurement without photobleaching, self-quenching, or autofluorescence
• Bright luminescence with discrete emission bands and unprecedented assay sensitivity

The Upcon technology and readers were jointly developed by Uniogen. OEM solutions are also available—contact us for more information!

Read more about Upcon particles and Upcon plate readers.

References

1. Brandmeier et.al., 2023 Anal. Chem., Digital and Analog Detection of SARS-CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein via an Upconversion-Linked Immunosorbent Assay
2. Bayoumy et.al., 2021 Sci. Rep., Sensitive and quantitative detection of cardiac troponin I with upconverting nanoparticle lateral flow test with minimized interference
3. Raiko et.al., 2021 Clin.Chim.Acta, Supersensitive photon upconversion based immunoassay for detection of cardiac troponin I in human plasma
4. Martiskainen et.al., 2021 Anal Bioanal Chem, Upconverting nanoparticle reporter-based highly sensitive rapid lateral flow immunoassay for hepatitis B virus surface antigen
5. Salminen et.al., 2020 Anal Chem, Ultrasensitive and Robust Point-of Care Immunoassay for the Detection of Plasmodium falciparum Malaria
6. Juntunen et.al., 2017 J. Med. Virol., Lateral flow immunoassay with upconverting nanoparticle-based detection for indirect measurement of interferon response by the level of MxA
7. Sirkka et.al., 2016 Anal. Chim. Acta, Upconverting nanophosphors as reporters in a highly sensitive heterogeneous immunoassay for cardiac troponin I
8. Riuttamäki & Soukka 2014 Bioanal Rev, Upconverting Phosphor Labels for Bioanalytical Assays