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 39nM. The technique is successfully applied to the detection of uranyl in various water samples as well as human serum, illustrating the excellent sensitivity and specificity of the quantifica...