Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
11:20
An Integrated System to Remotely Trigger Intracellular Signal Transduction by Upconversion Nanoparticle-mediated Kinase Photoactivation
Published on: August 30, 2017
In vivo photodynamic therapy using upconversion nanoparticles as remote-controlled nanotransducers.
Niagara Muhammad Idris1, Muthu Kumara Gnanasammandhan, Jing Zhang
1Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore.
Nature Medicine
|September 18, 2012
Summary
This study introduces upconversion nanoparticles for enhanced photodynamic therapy (PDT), enabling deeper light penetration and improved cancer treatment efficacy. The dual-photosensitizer approach shows promising results for noninvasive deep-cancer therapy.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Photochemistry
Background:
- Conventional photodynamic therapy (PDT) is limited by visible light's shallow penetration depth.
- Developing strategies for deeper light penetration is crucial for effective PDT, especially for treating deep-seated tumors.
- Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNs) offer a potential solution by converting near-infrared light to visible light.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a nanotransducer system using mesoporous-silica-coated UCNs for enhanced PDT.
- To utilize the multicolor-emission capability of UCNs for simultaneous activation of dual photosensitizers.
- To evaluate the efficacy of UCN-based dual-photosensitizer PDT in vitro and in vivo for potential noninvasive deep-cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized mesoporous-silica-coated UCNs loaded with photosensitizers.
- Utilized UCNs to convert near-infrared light to visible light for photosensitizer activation.
- Investigated dual-photosensitizer activation using UCNs' multicolor emission.
- Assessed PDT efficacy by measuring singlet oxygen generation and cell viability in vitro.
- Evaluated tumor growth inhibition in mice through direct and targeted intravenous injection of UCNs.
Main Results:
- UCNs successfully converted near-infrared light to visible wavelengths, activating photosensitizers.
- The dual-photosensitizer approach demonstrated enhanced PDT efficacy compared to single-photosensitizer methods.
- Increased singlet oxygen generation and reduced cancer cell viability were observed with the dual-photosensitizer system.
- In vivo studies showed significant tumor growth inhibition in mice treated with UCN-based PDT.
- Targeted UCN delivery via conjugation with tumor-targeting agents improved therapeutic outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Mesoporous-silica-coated UCNs serve as effective nanotransducers for deep-tissue PDT activation.
- Simultaneous activation of dual photosensitizers via UCNs significantly enhances PDT efficacy.
- UCN-based targeted PDT demonstrates potential for noninvasive treatment of deep-seated tumors.
- This approach provides a promising platform for future advancements in deep-cancer therapy.
