Recent advances in stimuli-responsive persistent luminescence nanoparticles-based sensors

Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) are novel optical nanomaterials with repeatable excitation characteristics, which can store and release energy continuously after cessation of excitation. These features make PLNPs have the advantages of no need for in-situ excitation and background fluorescence-free, and are favored in the field of sensing and imaging. Particularly, PLNPs-based responsive sensors have broad prospects in low-background and high-sensitivity detection. In this review, we summarize the design strategies and research progress of responsive PLNPs-based sensors for food analysis, biosensing and bioimaging. We also discuss and look forward to the challenges and opportunities of responsive PLNPs-based sensing systems to promote the development of highly sensitive detection technologies.