Enhancing Rechargeable Persistent Luminescence via Organic Dye Sensitization.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Imaging
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) are valuable imaging probes due to their afterglow properties.
• Long-wavelength LED light can recharge PLNPs, but signal amplification remains a challenge.
• Near-infrared (NIR) emitting zinc gallate:chromium (ZGC) nanoparticles are a key type of PLNP.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a simple and effective method for amplifying renewable persistent luminescence signals from ZGC nanoparticles under long-wavelength light.
• To demonstrate the utility of dye-sensitized ZGC nanoparticles for intraoperative tumor navigation and pathological diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• A dye-sensitization strategy was employed to enhance the persistent luminescence signals.
• The renewable PersL signals of NIR-emitting ZGC nanoparticles were boosted using this strategy.
• The dye-sensitized ZGC nanoparticles were tested in a proof-of-principle tumorectomy model.

Main Results:

• The dye-sensitization strategy significantly boosted the renewable PersL signals of ZGC nanoparticles under long-wavelength LED light.
• Simultaneous intraoperative anatomic tumor navigation was achieved.
• Effective microscopic detection of tumor cells in pathological diagnosis was demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• Dye-sensitization is an effective strategy for amplifying renewable PersL signals from ZGC nanoparticles.
• This approach enables dual applications in intraoperative tumor guidance and postoperative pathological assessment.
• The developed dye-sensitized ZGC nanoparticles show promise for advanced cancer diagnostics and surgery.