Advancing X-ray Luminescence for Imaging, Biosensing, and Theragnostics

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Optics and Photonics

Background:

• X-ray luminescence (XRL) is an optical phenomenon where scintillators emit light upon X-ray excitation.
• XRL offers deep tissue penetration and minimal autofluorescence, making it promising for biological applications.
• Nanocrystal scintillators have expanded XRL applications in imaging, biosensing, and theranostics.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of recent advances in X-ray luminescence for imaging, biosensing, and theranostics.
• To highlight the development of novel nanocrystal scintillators for various biomedical applications.
• To discuss challenges and future directions in XRL technology.

Main Methods:

• Development of solution-processed lead halide perovskite nanocrystal scintillators for multicolor XRL.
• Fabrication of perovskite nanoscintillator-based X-ray detectors for high-resolution imaging.
• Engineering of flexible XRL imaging systems using lanthanide-doped nanoscintillators.
• Design of XRL nanoprobes combined with functional biomolecules for *in vivo* imaging and sensing.
• Construction of theranostic nanosystems integrating XRL probes with stimuli-responsive materials.
• Demonstration of XRL probes for wireless optogenetic neuromodulation.

Main Results:

• Achieved multicolor XRL emission from perovskite nanocrystal scintillators.
• Developed high-resolution X-ray detectors for imaging electronic circuits and biological samples.
• Enabled flexible XRL imaging of 3D irregularly shaped objects.
• Demonstrated high-contrast *in vivo* XRL imaging and sensitive biomarker detection.
• Constructed multifunctional theranostic nanosystems for synergistic radiotherapy.
• Showcased controllable, wireless optogenetic neuromodulation through the skull.

Conclusions:

• Advanced X-ray luminescence using nanocrystal scintillators offers significant potential in imaging, biosensing, and theranostics.
• The technology enables deep-tissue applications, autofluorescence-free detection, and synergistic therapeutic approaches.
• Further research in scintillator synthesis, surface modification, and mechanistic studies will advance XRL applications.