Surface Engineering of Lanthanide Nanoparticles for Oncotherapy.

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine
• Biotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Lanthanide nanoparticles (LnNPs) possess unique optical and surface properties making them promising for cancer treatment.
• Surface modification allows for enhanced diagnostic capabilities, drug loading, targeted delivery, and controlled therapeutic release.
• LnNPs are being explored for phototherapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and biotherapy, including gene and immunotherapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the advancements in surface-modified lanthanide nanoparticles for various cancer therapy modalities.
• To highlight the crucial role of surface engineering in optimizing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects.
• To discuss the potential of LnNPs in personalized and image-guided tumor treatment.

Main Methods:

• Classification of surface-modified LnNPs into four therapeutic domains: phototherapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and biotherapy.
• Discussion of recent developments and innovative strategies within each therapeutic domain.
• Assessment of nanoparticle design, ligand modification, and surface chemistry for targeted cancer elimination.

Main Results:

• Surface-modified LnNPs demonstrate significant potential in photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, and biotherapy (gene/immunotherapy).
• Engineered LnNPs can be activated by near-infrared irradiation for precise tumor cell destruction.
• Smart nanoplatforms utilizing tumor microenvironment-responsive ligands enable targeted drug and gene delivery.

Conclusions:

• Surface-modified lanthanide nanoparticles represent a versatile platform for advanced cancer therapeutics.
• Strategic surface engineering is key to developing effective, targeted, and personalized cancer treatments with reduced toxicity.
• Further research into LnNP design and application holds significant promise for future oncology strategies.