Highly sensitive and selective cartap nanosensor based on luminescence resonance energy transfer between NaYF4:Yb,Ho nanocrystals and gold nanoparticles

► A novel NaYF4:Yb,Ho/Au hybrid is fabricated by layer-by-layer assembly. ► Cartap results in luminescence resonance energy transfer between the nanosensors. ► The method exhibits good sensitivity, selectivity and accuracy.