Upconversion Nanoparticle-Covalent Organic Framework Core-shell Particles as Therapeutic Microrobots Trackable With...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Integrating contrast signal generation with therapeutic and microrobotic functions is difficult.
• Existing microparticulate agents for medical imaging have limitations in stability and biocompatibility.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop multifunctional upconversion nanoparticle-covalent organic framework (UCNP-COF) core-shell sub-micron particles.
• To enable these particles to function as therapeutic microrobots trackable with multi-spectral optoacoustic tomography (MSOT) imaging.
• To achieve customizable loading of therapeutic agents and magnetic navigation.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of UCNP-COF core-shell sub-micron particles.
• Utilizing the optoacoustic signal generation mechanism based on luminescence quenching.
• Loading therapeutic molecules into the mesoporous COF structure.
• Employing magnetic navigation for in vivo vasculature tracking with MSOT.

Main Results:

• UCNP-COF particles demonstrated stability and biocompatibility for MSOT imaging.
• Mesoporous COF enabled efficient loading and release of drug molecules.
• Magnetic UCNP-COF Janus particles were successfully navigated in vivo and visualized with MSOT.

Conclusions:

• UCNP-COF particles offer a novel approach for multifunctional photonic materials.
• These particles enable high-performance medical imaging, drug delivery, and microrobotic manipulation.
• The developed technology holds potential for future clinical applications.