Multifunctional fiber-optic theranostic probe for closed-loop tumor photothermal therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Optical Physics

Background:

• Phototheranostic agents combined with optical fibers offer solutions for limited light penetration and nanomaterial toxicity.
• Current fiber-optic probes have limited multiplexing capabilities, leading to invasive procedures and lack of real-time feedback.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a single-fiber multifunctional probe for integrated tumor diagnosis and therapy.
• To leverage wavelength division multiplexing for enhanced fiber-optic theranostic capabilities.

Main Methods:

• Co-immobilization of pH indicator, temperature indicator, and photothermal agent onto a tapered optical fiber.
• Utilizing non-overlapped excitation bands for multiplexed sensing and therapy.
• Development of a closed-loop system for photothermal therapy with real-time monitoring.

Main Results:

• Demonstrated tumor edge identification via pH gradient mapping.
• Achieved precise thermal dose control during photothermal therapy through simultaneous temperature monitoring.
• Enabled rapid post-treatment efficacy assessment by monitoring tumor microenvironment changes.

Conclusions:

• The developed fiber-optic theranostic probe enables minimally invasive, closed-loop tumor photothermal therapy.
• Modular wavelength assignment allows for customizable interventions and feedback monitoring.
• This platform holds significant promise for clinical applications and mechanistic studies in theranostics.