Lanthanide Upconversion Nanoplatforms for Advanced Bacteria‐Targeted Detection and Therapy

Abstract The growing crisis of antibiotic resistance calls for advanced and sustainable antibacterial strategies. In the past few years, lanthanide‐doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with unique photophysical properties have been innovatively explored for bacterial detection and therapy, and hold promise for alleviating challenges faced in the post‐antibiotic era. In this review, the interface engineering for the bacteria‐targeted UCNP nanoplatforms is highlighted, the principles and merits of various upconversion detection strategies are discussed, and the latest progress in UCNP‐based antibacterial applications are summarized, especially in deep‐tissue infection imaging and therapy. Finally, the remaining concerns and future efforts for practical applications are put forward. This review is expected to provide comprehensive guidance for diagnosing and combating bacterial infections based on advanced UCNP nanoplatforms.