Quad-Model Imaging-Guided High-Efficiency Phototherapy Based on Upconversion Nanoparticles and ZnFe₂O₄ Integrated...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Light-triggered therapies offer promise but are limited by UV/vis light penetration depth and efficiency.
• Integrating diagnosis and therapy (theranostics) is crucial for effective cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a nanocomposite for efficient near-infrared light-activated dual phototherapy and multi-modal imaging.
• To overcome the limitations of traditional photodynamic therapy for deeper tumor treatment.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets decorated with ultrasmall ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles and Tm3+-doped upconversion luminescence nanoparticles (UCNPs).
• Utilized Tm3+-doped UCNPs to convert near-infrared light into UV/vis photons for activating photodynamic processes.
• Investigated dual phototherapy from GO and ZnFe2O4 via Fenton reaction and upconversion luminescence (UCL).

Main Results:

• Achieved dual phototherapy and Fenton reaction-based photodynamic therapy (PDT) using ZnFe2O4 nanoparticles to generate hydroxyl radicals.
• Demonstrated excellent anticancer efficiency through combined therapeutic modalities.
• Obtained 4-fold imaging capabilities: upconversion luminescence (UCL), computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and photoacoustic tomography (PAT).

Conclusions:

• The developed GZUC nanocomposite provides a feasible strategy for overcoming current limitations in light-triggered theranostics.
• Successfully integrated diagnosis and therapy, enabling diagnosis-monitored treatment with high antitumor efficiency.