Constructing Implantable SrTiO₃ :Yb,Ho Nanofibers for NIR-Triggered and Optically Monitored Chemotherapy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Photoluminescent (PL) drug delivery platforms are advancing personalized tumor chemotherapy.
• Implantable systems offer unique biological imaging and controlled release kinetics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop implantable Yb³⁺ and Ho³⁺ co-doped SrTiO₃ nanofibers for drug delivery.
• To investigate polyacrylic acid (PAA) surface decoration for enhanced drug loading and controlled release.
• To evaluate dual-triggering (low pH, NIR irradiation) and optical monitoring capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of Yb³⁺ and Ho³⁺ co-doped SrTiO₃ nanofibers.
• Surface decoration with polyacrylic acid (PAA).
• In vitro drug loading and release studies with doxorubicin (DOX).
• Cytocompatibility and cancer cell-killing assays.
• Optical monitoring using fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET).

Main Results:

• Synthesized nanofibers exhibited sound cytocompatibility.
• PAA decoration improved DOX loading and prevented burst release.
• Low pH and NIR irradiation significantly accelerated DOX release.
• Enhanced local cancer cell-killing effect observed.
• Green-to-red emission ratio effectively monitored DOX release progress and dosage via FRET.

Conclusions:

• SrTiO₃ :Yb,Ho-PAA nanofibers provide a dual-triggering drug delivery platform.
• The system allows for precise, optical monitoring of drug release.
• This technology holds promise for future personalized chemotherapy applications.