Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 11, 2026
13:51
Synthesis of Core-shell Lanthanide-doped Upconversion Nanocrystals for Cellular Applications
Published on: November 10, 2017
16.0K
Silica coated upconversion nanoparticles: a versatile platform for the development of efficient theranostics
Jia-Nan Liu1, Wen-Bo Bu1, Jian-Lin Shi1
1State Key Laboratory of High Performance Ceramics and Superfine Microstructures, Shanghai Institute of Ceramics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 200050, P.R. China.
Accounts of Chemical Research
|June 10, 2015
Summary
Upconversion nanoparticles coated with silica (UCNP@SiO2) offer advanced theranostic capabilities for cancer. These versatile nanocomposites enable multimodal imaging and synergistic therapies, paving the way for clinical translation.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
Background:
- Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are promising for cancer imaging due to unique optical properties.
- Coating UCNPs with silica (UCNP@SiO2) enhances stability, reduces cytotoxicity, and allows surface functionalization.
- UCNP@SiO2 platforms are ideal for developing multifunctional theranostic agents.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive summary of UCNP@SiO2 nanocomposites for theranostics.
- To discuss design principles and engineering protocols for UCNP@SiO2 structures.
- To highlight recent advancements in UCNP@SiO2-based cancer imaging and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Engineering of UCNP@SiO2 nanocomposites with dense, mesoporous, or hollow silica shells.
- Investigation of relaxivity mechanisms for optimizing magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) sensitivity.
- Development of multimodal imaging and synergistic therapeutic strategies.
Main Results:
- UCNP@SiO2 nanostructures facilitate multimodal cancer imaging and biosensing.
- These nanocomposites enable near-infrared light-triggered chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy.
- Synergistic therapies combining radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or thermotherapy show enhanced efficacy.
Conclusions:
- UCNP@SiO2 nanocomposites are versatile platforms for advanced theranostics.
- Rational design enables integration of imaging and therapeutic functions for cancer treatment.
- Further research is needed to address limitations and facilitate clinical translation.
