title: CeF3-ZnO scintillating nanocomposite for self-lighted photodynamic therapy of cancer.
abstract: We report on the synthesis and characterization of a composite nanostructure based on the coupling of cerium fluoride (CeF3) and zinc oxide (ZnO) for applications in self-lighted photodynamic therapy. Self-lighted photodynamic therapy is a novel approach for the treatment of deep cancers by low doses of X-rays. CeF3 is an efficient scintillator: when illuminated by X-rays it emits UV light by fluorescence at 325 nm. In this work, we simulate this effect by exciting directly CeF3 fluorescence by UV radiation. ZnO is photo-activated in cascade, to produce reactive oxygen species. This effect was recently demonstrated in a physical mixture of distinct nanoparticles of CeF3 and ZnO [Radiat. Meas. (2013) 59:139-143]. Oxide surface provides a platform for rational functionalization, e.g., by targeting molecules for specific tumors. Our composite nanostructure is stable in aqueous media with excellent optical coupling between the two components; we characterize its uptake and its good cell viability, with very low intrinsic cytotoxicity in dark.
authors.affiliation: Physics and Earth Science Department, Parma University, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/A, Parma, 43124, Italy.
authors.forename: Tiziano
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Rimoldi
authors.affiliation: Physics and Earth Science Department, Parma University, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/A, Parma, 43124, Italy.
authors.forename: Davide
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Orsi
authors.affiliation: IMEM-CNR Institute, Parco Area delle Scienze 37/A, Parma, 43124, Italy.
authors.forename: Paola
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Lagonegro
authors.affiliation: Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences, Parma University, via Gramsci 14, Parma, 43124, Italy.
authors.forename: Benedetta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Ghezzi
authors.affiliation: Biomedical, Biotechnological and Translational Sciences, Parma University, via Gramsci 14, Parma, 43124, Italy.
authors.forename: Carlo
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Galli
authors.affiliation: IMEM-CNR Institute, Parco Area delle Scienze 37/A, Parma, 43124, Italy.
authors.forename: Francesca
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Rossi
authors.affiliation: IMEM-CNR Institute, Parco Area delle Scienze 37/A, Parma, 43124, Italy.
authors.forename: Giancarlo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Salviati
authors.affiliation: Physics and Earth Science Department, Parma University, Parco Area delle Scienze 7/A, Parma, 43124, Italy. luigi.cristofolini@unipr.it.
authors.forename: Luigi
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0003-2440-4934
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Cristofolini
mesh_terms: D000072283:A549 Cells; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D002563:Cerium / Q000737:chemistry*; D005459:Fluorides / Q000737:chemistry*; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D008855:Microscopy, Electron, Scanning; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry*; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry; D049329:Nanostructures / Q000737:chemistry; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000628:therapy*; D010087:Oxides / Q000494:pharmacology; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species / Q000378:metabolism; D013059:Spectrum Analysis, Raman; D014965:X-Rays; D015034:Zinc Oxide / Q000737:chemistry*
chemical_list: D010087:Oxides; D017382:Reactive Oxygen Species; C058441:cerium fluoride; D002563:Cerium; D005459:Fluorides; D015034:Zinc Oxide