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Synthesis of Core-shell Lanthanide-doped Upconversion Nanocrystals for Cellular Applications

Synthesis of Core-shell Lanthanide-doped Upconversion Nanocrystals for Cellular Applications

Published on: November 10, 2017

Recent advances in functionalized upconversion nanoparticles for light-activated tumor therapy.

Hongqian Chu^1,2, Tingming Cao^1,2, Guangming Dai^1,2

¹Translational Medicine Center, Beijing Chest Hospital, Capital Medical University Beijing 101149 PR China sunzhaogang@bjxkyy.cn.

|May 2, 2022

Summary

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) offer a promising approach for light-activated tumor therapy by converting near-infrared light into UV/visible radiation. These functionalized UCNPs advance cancer treatment options, though clinical application requires further research.

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Published on: August 30, 2017

Area of Science:

Nanotechnology
Biomedical Engineering
Oncology

Background:

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) are lanthanide-doped nanocrystals with unique optical properties.
UCNPs convert near-infrared (NIR) radiation to visible/ultraviolet (UV) light, overcoming limitations of conventional UV-based therapies.
They show potential for treating cutaneous diseases, including tumors.

Purpose of the Study:

To systematically analyze recent advancements in light-activated tumor therapy using functionalized UCNPs.
To summarize the mechanisms of UCNP-based photodynamic therapy (PDT), gene therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and integrated therapies.
To highlight the potential of UCNP-based materials for future cancer treatment innovations.

Main Methods:

Literature review of studies on functionalized UCNPs in light-activated tumor therapy.
Analysis of UCNP mechanisms in various therapeutic modalities (PDT, gene therapy, immunotherapy, chemotherapy, integrated therapy).
Systematic evaluation of UCNP performance and application scope.

Main Results:

UCNPs enable controllable tumor therapy by utilizing NIR light, which penetrates deeper and is less damaging than UV light.
Functionalized UCNPs have been explored for diverse therapeutic strategies, including PDT, gene therapy, and immunotherapy.
Current research is promising but requires further development for clinical translation.

Conclusions:

Functionalized UCNPs represent a significant advancement in light-activated cancer therapy.
UCNP-based materials offer superior performance and innovative applications for improved cancer treatment.
Further research is crucial to bridge the gap between current studies and clinical implementation.