Related Experiment Video
Updated: Dec 24, 2025

A Facile Synthetic Method to Obtain Bismuth Oxyiodide Microspheres Highly Functional for the Photocatalytic Processes of Water Depuration
Published on: March 29, 2019
NIR-driven water splitting by layered bismuth oxyhalide sheets for effective photodynamic therapy
Dan Yang1, Guixin Yang, Jiaqi Li
1Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Material Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin, 150001, P. R. China. yangpiaoping@hrbeu.edu.cn gaishili@hrbeu.edu.cn hefei1@hrbeu.edu.cn.
This study introduces UCNPs@BiOCl, a novel nanoplatform for near-infrared light-activated photodynamic therapy (PDT). This approach overcomes limitations of UV/vis light in cancer treatment by generating reactive oxygen species for tumor cell damage.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) faces challenges with photosensitizer selection and limited light penetration depth.
- Ultraviolet/visible (UV/vis) light used in PDT has shallow penetration and can harm normal tissues, hindering cancer treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel multifunctional nanoplatform for near-infrared (NIR) light-triggered photodynamic therapy (PDT).
- To address limitations of conventional PDT by enhancing light penetration and utilizing a safe, efficient triggering mechanism.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of a UCNPs@BiOCl nanoplatform integrating NaGdF4:Yb,Tm upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) with bismuth oxyhalide (BiOCl) sheets.
- Utilizing 980 nm NIR light to activate UCNPs, which convert NIR light to UV/vis emissions.
- Driving BiOCl photocatalysis for pure water splitting to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS).
Main Results:
- The UCNPs@BiOCl nanoplatform successfully converts NIR light into UV/vis emissions.
- NIR light-induced ROS generation was achieved, leading to effective damage of tumor cells.
- Experimental results demonstrated excellent antitumor efficiency of the UCNPs@BiOCl complex.
Conclusions:
- The developed UCNPs@BiOCl nanoplatform offers a promising solution for NIR-triggered PDT.
- This approach overcomes key limitations of traditional PDT, enhancing therapeutic potential.
- The study contributes to the broader application of BiOCl-based materials in biomedicine.

