Multifunctional Theranostics for Dual-Modal Photodynamic Synergistic Therapy via Stepwise Water Splitting.
Combined therapy using multiple approaches has been demonstrated to be a promising route for cancer therapy. To achieve enhanced antiproliferation efficacy under hypoxic condition, here we report a novel hybrid system by integrating dual-model photodynamic therapies (dual-PDT) in one system. First, we attached core-shell structured up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs, NaGdF4:Yb,Tm@NaGdF4) on graphitic-phase carbon nitride (g-C3N4) nanosheets (one photosensitizer). Then, the as-fabricated nanocomposite and carbon dots (another photosensitizer) were assembled in ZIF-8 metal-organic frameworks through an in situ growth process, realizing the dual-photosensitizer hybrid system employed for PDT via stepwise water splitting. In this system, the UCNPs can convert deep-penetration and low-energy near-infrared light to higher-energy ultraviolet-visible emission, which matches well with the absorption range of the photosensitizers for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation without sacrificing its efficacy under ZIF-8 shell protection. Furthermore, the UV light emitted from UCNPs allows successive activation of g-C3N4and carbon dots, and the visible light from carbon dots upon UV light excitation once again activate g-C3N4to produce ROS, which keeps the principle of energy conservation thus achieving maximized use of the light. This dual-PDT system exhibits excellent antitumor efficiency superior to any single modality, verified vividly by in vitro and in vivo assay.
Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Material Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University , Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
Dan
D
Yang
Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Material Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University , Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
Guixin
G
Yang
Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Material Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University , Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
Shili
S
Gai
Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Material Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University , Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
Fei
F
He
College of Chemistry and Life Sciences, Zhejiang Normal University , Jinhua 321004, P. R. China.
Chunxia
C
Li
Key Laboratory of Superlight Materials and Surface Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Material Sciences and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University , Harbin 150001, P. R. China.
Piaoping
http://orcid.org/0000-0002-9555-1803
P
Yang
D053758:Nanoparticles; D010778:Photochemotherapy; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D000068936:Theranostic Nanomedicine; D014867:Water / Q000737:chemistry*
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents; D014867:Water
MOFs; carbon dots; g-C3N4; synergistic therapy; up-conversion