Multifunctional Nano-Bioprobes Based on Rattle-Structured Upconverting Luminescent Nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are promising for bioapplications.
• Existing UCNP platforms have limitations in loading capacity and energy transfer efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design novel organosilica-shelled UCNPs with a rattle structure for dual-modal imaging and photodynamic therapy (PDT).
• To enhance photosensitizer loading and energy transfer for improved therapeutic efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized organosilica-shelled β-NaLuF4:Gd/Yb/Er nanoprobes with a rattle structure.
• Loaded photosensitizers (β-carboxyphthalocyanine zinc or rose Bengal) into the nanoprobes.
• Evaluated dual-modal imaging (X-ray computed tomography and UC imaging) and PDT efficacy.

Main Results:

• The rattle structure and aromatic framework facilitated high photosensitizer loading and disaggregation.
• Achieved enhanced energy transfer efficiency from UCNPs to photosensitizers, leading to increased singlet oxygen production.
• Demonstrated successful dual-modal imaging and enhanced PDT efficacy in proof-of-concept studies.

Conclusions:

• Organosilica-shelled UCNPs with a rattle structure represent a multifunctional nanoplatform for cancer theranostics.
• This design overcomes limitations of conventional core-shell structures, improving PDT efficacy.
• The developed nanoprobes show great potential for advanced biomedical applications.