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A Multifunctional Biomaterial with NIR Long Persistent Phosphorescence, Photothermal Response and Magnetism
Yiling Wu1, Yang Li2, Xixi Qin1
1State Key Laboratory of Luminescent Materials and Devices, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Fiber Laser Materials and Applied Techniques, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510640, P.R. China.
Researchers developed multifunctional phosphors for advanced cancer diagnosis and treatment. These materials offer near-infrared (NIR) persistent phosphorescence for bioimaging and photothermal therapy (PTT), enabling precise tumor ablation with minimal side effects.
Area of Science:
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Long persistent phosphors (LPPs) are increasingly used in bioimaging.
- Limited research exists on LPPs for photothermal therapy (PTT) and integrated diagnostic/therapeutic systems.
- Need for multifunctional materials enabling simultaneous imaging and therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate multifunctional phosphors with near-infrared (NIR) persistent phosphorescence, photothermal response, and magnetism.
- To evaluate their potential as integrated agents for cancer bioimaging and photothermal therapy (PTT).
- To develop an advanced imaging-guided therapy system.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of multifunctional phosphors: Zn3Ga2SnO8:Cr3+,Nd3+,Gd3+.
- Characterization of NIR persistent phosphorescence, photothermal conversion efficiency, and magnetic properties.
- In vitro/in vivo evaluation for bioimaging (NIR optical and MRI) and PTT efficacy.
Main Results:
- Successfully fabricated Zn3Ga2SnO8:Cr3+,Nd3+,Gd3+ phosphors exhibiting NIR persistent phosphorescence, photothermal conversion, and magnetism.
- Demonstrated utility as NIR optical biolabels and MRI contrast agents for early cancer cell tracking.
- Confirmed effectiveness as photothermal therapeutic agents for cancer cell ablation.
Conclusions:
- The developed multifunctional phosphors offer a novel platform for integrated cancer diagnosis and therapy.
- This material enables high-resolution bioimaging and targeted photothermal ablation with potentially low side effects.
- Presents a new avenue for advanced imaging-guided therapy systems.
