Enhancing Persistent Luminescence through Synergy between Optimal Electron Traps and Dye Sensitization.

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Imaging

Background:

• Long-wavelength-light rechargeable persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) are promising imaging probes due to their afterglow properties.
• Existing zinc gallium oxide (ZGC) PLNPs have limitations in absorption and signal intensity under LED light irradiation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To amplify the persistent luminescence signal of ZGC PLNPs using dye sensitization.
• To improve the imaging capabilities and diagnostic potential of PLNPs for biomedical applications.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized ZGC PLNPs and enhanced them with a dye sensitizer (Dil).
• Optimized trap densities by adjusting Pr dopant concentrations in ZGCPx PLNPs.
• Evaluated the persistent luminescence properties and performed in vivo tumor imaging.

Main Results:

• Dye sensitization with Dil significantly enhanced the absorption and amplified the persistent luminescence signal.
• Optimized ZGCP0.5-Dil PLNPs showed a 24.3-fold increase in intensity and a 2-fold longer decay time compared to bare ZGC PLNPs.
• Enhanced PLNPs enabled effective HepG2 tumor imaging and guided surgical resection, confirmed by H&E staining.

Conclusions:

• Dye sensitization is an effective strategy to boost the performance of long-wavelength rechargeable PLNPs.
• The developed ZGCP0.5-Dil PLNPs offer superior imaging capabilities for tumor detection and surgical guidance.
• This approach provides a valuable reference for developing advanced dye-sensitized PLNPs for biomedical applications.