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Cascade-enhanced persistent luminescence for monitoring iron metabolism during ferroptosis-based therapy

  • 0State Key Laboratory of Structural Chemistry, Fujian Institute of Research on the Structure of Matter, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Fuzhou, 350002, China; Xiamen Key Laboratory of Rare Earth Photoelectric Functional Materials, Xiamen Institute of Rare Earth Materials, Haixi Institute, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Xiamen 361021, China.
Biosensors & Bioelectronics +

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July 5, 2025

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July 5, 2025

View abstract on PubMed

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

This study introduces a novel theranostic agent for sensitive, autofluorescence-free imaging of ferroptosis, a promising cancer therapy. The agent enhances persistent luminescence (PersL) by visualizing iron metabolism, improving cancer treatment evaluation and biosafety.

Area Of Science

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Cancer Therapy

Background

  • Ferroptosis-based cancer therapy shows promise due to cancer cell susceptibility and low drug resistance.
  • Accurate imaging of ferroptosis is crucial for evaluating treatment efficacy and understanding mechanisms.
  • In vivo fluorescence imaging is limited by background autofluorescence, hindering ferroptosis detection sensitivity.

Purpose Of The Study

  • To develop a ferroptosis theranostic agent for sensitive, autofluorescence-free in vivo monitoring of ferroptosis.
  • To utilize cascade-enhanced persistent luminescence (PersL) for visualizing iron metabolism during ferroptosis.
  • To improve the specificity and efficacy evaluation of ferroptosis-based cancer therapies.

Main Methods

  • Fabrication of Zn<sub>1.3</sub>Ga<sub>1.4</sub>Sn<sub>0.3</sub>O<sub>4</sub>:Cr<sup>3+</sup>,Y<sup>3+</sup> (ZGSO) nanocrystals within Fe-silica hybrid layers.
  • Utilizing the acidic tumor microenvironment to trigger Fe-silica layer degradation and Fe<sup>3+</sup> release.
  • Monitoring PersL enhancement through iron metabolism and electron competition during ferroptosis.

Main Results

  • Achieved cascade-enhanced, autofluorescence-free imaging of ferroptosis with a high in vivo signal-to-background ratio (87).
  • Demonstrated visualization of iron metabolism dynamics during ferroptosis progression.
  • Confirmed efficient renal clearance of ultrasmall ZGSO nanocrystals post-degradation, enhancing biosafety.

Conclusions

  • The developed theranostic agent enables sensitive and specific monitoring of ferroptosis, overcoming autofluorescence limitations.
  • This approach provides novel insights into ferroptosis mechanisms and iron metabolism.
  • The agent shows significant potential for theranostic applications in cancer treatment evaluation and development.

Keywords: