Spotlight on Upcon® UCNP Technology
What Makes Upcon® UCNP Technology Special?
Uniogen’s Upcon® upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) are tiny but mighty. They convert low-energy infrared light into visible light, enabling highly sensitive detection with minimal background noise. This makes them ideal for applications where sensitivity matters: think, for example, immunoassays, point-of-care testing, and even advanced research tools.
Why choose UCNPs?
- Ultra-low background: Measurement without autofluorescence and sensitive detection even through tissue and whole blood.
- High sensitivity: Perfect for point-of-care and quantitative assays.
- Versatility: Works in various assay formats and applications such as diagnostics, food safety, veterinary testing and more!
Curious to see Upcon® particles in action? Check these out:
- Industry:
- Lumito’s innovative imaging solutions, where Upcon® particles help achieve crystal-clear tissue visualization for pathology
- Research:
- Islam et al. 2023, where Upcon® particles were used as ultra-bright labels in a lateral flow assay to detect cancer-related extracellular vesicles with high precision.
- Filho et al. 2025, where Upcon® particles were used as charged colloidal probes to modulate and measure how surface electrostatics influence water density fluctuations in the hydration layer via luminescence-based nanothermometry.
- Also take a look at the Upcon brochure with two lateral flow assay application examples
Customer projects: Behind the scenes
For many customers, UCNP technology is completely new territory. While integrating Upcon® into existing applications is usually straightforward, it still calls for close collaboration between Uniogen and the customer’s R&D team to ensure the best results. We wanted to know what really goes on when Uniogen works with customers on these projects, so we asked our expert, Dr. Terhi Riuttamäki, to share her insights. Turns out, it’s a mix of science, creativity and, ultimately, not as serious as it sounds.
Inside the collaboration
“I’m the contact point between the customer and my team,” Terhi begins. “Usually, the customer wants to improve the sensitivity of an assay, but with Upcon, they’re facing a new technology. They can’t always tell exactly what’s needed, so we help by introducing options and narrowing down the most promising paths.”
Uniogen can be the customer’s “one-stop shop,” covering everything from assay development to production. Alternatively, we can be a small part of their R&D journey by providing technology for the customer’s own use and offering the necessary guidance to ensure they get most out of the particles. Every project presents unique challenges and opportunities for advancement, ensuring our work remains dynamic and impactful.
Starting strong: communication and goals
Projects begin by uncovering the customer’s true needs. Sometimes those early conversations even reshape their objectives. That shared understanding lays the foundation for success.
“Communication is the key,” says Terhi. “We set goals, limitations, and responsibilities early on and identify possible pitfalls through risk analysis.”
Each project is different. The approach depends on whether the goal is to replace detection technology in an existing assay, develop a completely new assay, or something else. In most cases, we recommend starting with a technology evaluation or proof-of-concept study performed by our team. This way, customers don’t need to invest in reagents or instrumentation at the outset.
And what customer’s value most about working with us? “Flexibility, deep know-how, and personal contact,” Terhi answers without hesitation. Based on customer feedback, our responsiveness stands out as we adapt quickly to changes and keep communication open and frequent. This can also be seen from the excellent NPS scores we have received on our customer satisfaction surveys year after year, the last one being an impressive 71.
And when collaboration really clicks? “Soon we feel like one big team instead of supplier and customer.” Terhi shares.
Challenges and solutions
Of course, challenges happen. Terhi recalls: “In a technology transfer, you might encounter ‘home-made’ instrumentation or other solutions. One must be innovative to duplicate the system using a different approach. Sometimes simpler is better, meaning less hassle and fewer chances for mistakes. Changing requirements often force mid-course adjustments, but our flexibility helps us find solutions. We are as committed to achieving excellence as our customers are, and that shared dedication drives everything we do.”
Quality, compliance, and impact
“Everything we do follows SOPs with regulatory aspects integrated,” says Terhi. “Customers decide whether the process also follows ISO 13485 guidelines.”
And the impact? “Upcon technology addresses the need for better sensitivity or simpler point-of-care assays without compromising performance,” Terhi explains. “Especially the lateral flow field is moving toward more sensitive and quantitative assays, and our Upcon labels enable this shift.”
A peek behind the curtain
“When I’m watching a small rider on a huge horse, I wonder how the kid can control the animal,” Terhi muses. “I’m just as amazed how my team controls nanoparticles to grow to a certain size and shape without seeing them. The quality is always checked by a transmission electron microscope, and the images are so beautiful, like design prints!”
And yes, since many of our customers are based in Europe, friendly Eurovision bets have popped up during project meetings in the past. Sometimes the hot topic has been the latest Ice Hockey World Championship game or something else just as relevant. Because science is serious, but teamwork needs a little sparkle too.
Terhi Riuttamäki, PhD, UCNP Team Lead & Project Manager
Terhi began her career in diagnostics at the University of Turku, where she contributed to pioneering research on upconverting nanoparticles in diagnostics. After completing her PhD, she joined our team and has spent over 15 years advancing Uniogen’s Upcon® technology. She often says these nanoparticles feel like her first child, and now she proudly follows their growth story, anticipating their bright future in the wider world. Today, Terhi acts as a key liaison between customers and her team, helping integrate label technologies that enhance assay sensitivity. She guides customers through options, ensuring successful outcomes, and has led technology transfer projects from R&D to full-scale manufacturing.
Interested in learning more about the Upcon® technology? Contact us to get started!
Due to the confidential nature of most of our client projects, we are unable to share them publicly. For a selection of references, please visit this page.