Upconversion superballs for programmable photoactivation of therapeutics

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Photochemistry

Background:

• Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) enable deep-tissue photoactivation by converting near-infrared light to UV/visible light.
• Programmed photoactivation of multiple molecules is crucial for controlling biological processes.
• Current UCNP synthesis involves complex, time-consuming epitaxial growth of multiple shells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a modular assembly of orthogonal photoactivable UCNPs.
• To overcome the limitations of complex UCNP synthesis.
• To demonstrate programmed photoactivation for enhanced therapeutic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Modular assembly of two distinct UCNPs with orthogonal excitation (980/808 nm).
• Utilized UCNP superballs for sequential photoactivation of therapeutic processes.
• In vitro and in vivo testing of programmed vs. non-programmed activation.

Main Results:

• Successfully created orthogonal photoactivable UCNP superballs.
• Demonstrated sequential activation: endosomal escape, gene knockdown (SOD1), and photodynamic therapy.
• Achieved significantly higher therapeutic efficacy with programmed activation.

Conclusions:

• Modular assembly offers a simpler alternative to complex UCNP synthesis.
• Programmed photoactivation using orthogonal UCNPs enhances therapeutic efficacy.
• This approach holds promise for advanced biomedical applications.