Excitation-Selectable Nanoprobe for Tumor Fluorescence Imaging and Near-Infrared Thermal Therapy

The combination of diagnostics and therapeutics is growing rapidly in cancer treatment. Here, using upconversion nanoparticles coated with chitosan conjugated with a targeting molecule and loaded with indocyanine green (ICG), we develop an excitation-selectable nanoprobe with highly integrated functionalities, including the emission of visible and near-infrared (NIR) light, strong optical absorption in the NIR region and high photostability. After intravenous injection in tumor bearing mice, the nanoprobes target to the tumor vascular system. NIR lasers (980 and 808 nm) are then selectively applied to the mice. The results show that the emitted upconversion fluorescence and NIR fluorescence can be used in a complementary manner for high signal/noise ratio and sensitive tumor imaging for more precise tumor localization. Highly effective photothermal therapy is realized using 808 nm laser irradiation, and the upconversion fluorescence at 654 nm can be used for monitoring treatment effect during the thermal therapy. In summary, using the nanoprobes, outstanding therapeutic efficacy could be realized through flexible excitation control, precise tumor localization, highly effective photothermal conversion and real-time treatment monitoring. The nanofabrication strategy highlights the promise of nanoparticles in cancer theranostics.