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Lanthanide-based upconversion nanoparticles are able to absorb low-energy near-infrared (NIR) photons and emit visible or ultraviolet light. This unique optical property enables luminescent detection without autofluorescence from biological samples that is crucial for bioimaging and diagnostics. Moreover, NIR irradiation allows to deliver light deep into the tissue, which can be used for drug or gene delivery and NIR-induced photodynamic therapy (PDT) of tumors. Despite huge effort during the last 10 years devoted to the upconversion nanoparticle synthesis and their surface engineering, preparation of the particles suitable for biomedical applications still remains a big challenge. The current work is focused on synthesis of the upconversion nanoparticles with controllable morphology, size, distribution, crystallinity, and high upconversion efficiency, as well as on desirable surface modification by biocompatible inorganic or organic polymers. Neat and functionalized homogeneous silica shell was introduced on the NaYF4:Yb3+ /Er3+ and NaGdF4:Yb3+ /Er3+ nanoparticles to enhance their biocompatibility and colloidal stability in water. To render the nanoparticles with targeting moieties, their surface was decorated with cell-adhesive RGD or cell-penetrating TAT peptides. The RGD- and TAT- conjugated...