Multi-shell Upconversion Nanoparticles for Integrated Photodynamic Therapy and MRI-Guided Cancer Theranostics
발표자
AJITH KUMAR LAKSHMANAN (Chungnam National University)
연구책임자
김소연 (충남대학교)
공동저자
AJITH KUMAR LAKSHMANAN (Chungnam National University), 김소연 (충남대학교)
초록
내용
Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a light-activated cancer treatment that induces localized tumor destruction through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, conventional photosensitizers (PS) require visible-light excitation, which limits tissue penetration. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), a noninvasive diagnostic technique, similarly depends on contrast agents for effective tumor visualization. Herein, we propose a multi-shell upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)–PS hybrid as a single-component nanoplatform for integrated cancer therapy and diagnosis. Under near-infrared (NIR) excitation, UCNPs convert low-energy photons into visible emission, enabling efficient activation of the conjugated PS at greater tissue depths and overcoming the penetration limits of traditional PDT. Moreover, the intrinsic paramagnetic nature of rare-earth dopants in UCNPs enables strong magnetic field interactions, making the system suitable for MRI contrast enhancement.