Presented is an infrared-induced sensor constructed of upconversion nanoparticles and DNAzyme for ultra-sensitive, and rapid detection of uranyl ions. The detection method eliminates the use of chemically labeled nucleic acid probes, possesses high selectivity, and a uranyl detection limit of 39 nM. The technique is successfully applied to the detection of uranyl in various water samples as well as human serum, illustrating the excellent...