频率上转换光学成像由于其相比于传统的下转换光学成像具有卓越的优势而受到极大关注。然而，频率上转换光学成像技术的发展非常有限。因此，我们开发了五种具有BODIPY结构的衍生物（B1-B5）以探究其通过引入电子供体和电子受体基团提高频率上转换发光性能（FUCL）。除了硝基修饰的衍生物外，其他衍生物在635nm光激发下具有强而稳定的520nm FUCL表现。更重要的是，B5在自组装后仍保持FUCL性能。在应用于细胞FUCL成像时，B5纳米颗粒能富集于细胞质并显示出良好的信噪比。同时，注射1小时后还能实现FUCL肿瘤成像。这项研究不仅提供了一种潜在的FUCL生物医学成像剂，还开发了一种展现出出色性能的FUCL剂的新设计策略。Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.

Frequency upconversion optical imaging has attracted great attention due to its remarkable advantages over traditional down-conversion optical imaging. However, the development of frequency upconversion optical imaging is extremely limited. Herein, five derivatives with BODIPY structure (B1-B5) were developed to investigate its frequency upconversion luminescence (FUCL) performance by introducing electron-donating and electron-withdrawing groups. Except for the nitro group decorated derivative, the other derivatives have strong and stable FUCL around 520 nm under 635 nm light excitation. More importantly, B5 retains FUCL ability after self-assembly. When applied to FUCL imaging of cells, B5 nanoparticles can be enriched in the cytoplasm and show a good signal-to-noise ratio. Meanwhile, FUCL tumor imaging can be achieved after 1 h of injection. This study not only provides a potential agent for FUCL biomedical imaging but also develops a new strategy for designing FUCL agents that exhibit excellent performance.Copyright © 2023. Published by Elsevier Inc.