Ce-Based Nanoparticles Loaded with Cisplatin for Tumour Radiotherapy

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Radiotherapy and chemotherapy are standard cancer treatments but cause side effects.
• Drug delivery systems (DDS) offer improved biocompatibility and anti-tumor capabilities.
• Cerium-based nanoparticles (Ce-NPs) show radiosensitization potential via the photoelectric effect.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct and characterize cisplatin-loaded LiLuF₄:Ce³⁺ scintillation nanoparticles (NP + Cis).
• To evaluate the toxicity, radiosensitization effect, and mechanism of NP + Cis in vitro and in vivo.
• To assess the potential of NP + Cis as an improved DDS for chemoradiotherapy.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of cisplatin-loaded LiLuF₄:Ce³⁺ scintillation nanoparticles using crystal precipitation.
• Characterization of nanoparticles via transmission electron microscopy (TEM).
• In vitro and in vivo experiments to assess toxicity, radiosensitization, and anti-tumor efficacy.

Main Results:

• NP + Cis demonstrated significant DNA damage and inhibited cancer cell viability under X-ray irradiation.
• In vivo studies confirmed the biosafety of NP + Cis.
• NP + Cis exhibited a synergistic anti-tumor effect by releasing cisplatin and absorbing irradiation.

Conclusions:

• Cisplatin-loaded LiLuF₄:Ce³⁺ scintillation nanoparticles (NP + Cis) are effective in chemoradiotherapy.
• NP + Cis offers enhanced anti-tumor efficacy and improved biosafety compared to traditional methods.
• This DDS shows promise for advancing cancer treatment strategies.