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An Integrated System to Remotely Trigger Intracellular Signal Transduction by Upconversion Nanoparticle-mediated Kinase Photoactivation
Published on: August 30, 2017
Photodynamic inactivation of viruses using upconversion nanoparticles
Meng Earn Lim1, Yen-Ling Lee, Yong Zhang
1Department of Bioengineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117576, Singapore.
Biomaterials
|December 14, 2011
Summary
Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNs) offer a novel approach to photodynamic therapy (PDT) for viral infections. This nanotechnology enhances photosensitizer delivery and activation, showing promising in vitro antiviral efficacy with minimal toxicity.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Photodynamic Therapy (PDT)
- Antiviral Strategies
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) uses photosensitizers to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for pathogen inactivation.
- Limitations of conventional PDT include photosensitizer hydrophobicity and poor light penetration, hindering clinical application.
- Near-infrared (NIR) light offers better tissue penetration but requires specialized upconversion systems for photosensitizer activation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the potential of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNs) for enhanced photodynamic antiviral therapy.
- To utilize UCNs as nanotransducers for converting NIR light into visible emissions to activate photosensitizers.
- To evaluate the efficacy and safety of UCN-based photodynamic inactivation against viruses.
Main Methods:
- Development and characterization of UCNs functionalized with photosensitizers.
- In vitro assessment of UCN-mediated photodynamic inactivation of infectious viruses.
- In vivo evaluation of UCNs' pathogenicity in a murine model and target specificity in virus-infected cells.
Main Results:
- UCNs effectively reduced infectious virus titers in vitro.
- The UCN-based approach demonstrated no significant pathogenicity in a murine model.
- Enhanced target specificity to virus-infected cells was observed.
Conclusions:
- UCN-based photodynamic inactivation presents a promising strategy for combating viral infections.
- This nanotechnology overcomes limitations of traditional PDT, offering improved delivery and activation.
- Potential applications include treatment of viral infections, lesions, and associated cancers.
