title: Ultrasmall-Superbright Neodymium-Upconversion Nanoparticles via Energy Migration Manipulation and Lattice Modification: 808 nm-Activated Drug Release.
abstract: Nd3+-sensitized upconversion nanoparticles are among the most promising emerging fluorescent nanotransducers. They are activated by 808 nm irradiation, which features merits such as limited tissue overheating and deeper penetration depth, and hence are attractive for diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Recent studies indicate that ultrasmall nanoparticles (<10 nm) are potentially more suitable for clinical application due to their favorable biodistribution and safety profiles. However, upconversion nanoparticles in the sub-10 nm range suffer from poor luminescence due to their ultrasmall size and greater proportion of lattice defects. To reconcile these opposing traits, we adopt a combinatorial strategy of energy migration manipulation and crystal lattice modification, creating ultrasmall-superbright Nd3+-sensitized nanoparticles with 2 orders of magnitude enhancement in upconversion luminescence. Specifically, we configure a sandwich-type nanostructure with a Yb3+-enriched intermediate layer [Nd3+]-[Yb3+-Yb3+]-[Yb3+-Tm3+] to form a positively reinforced energy migration system, while introducing Ca2+into the crystal lattice to reduce lattice defects. Furthermore, we apply the nanoparticles to 808 nm light-mediated drug release. The results indicate time-dependent cancer cells killing and better antitumor activities. These ultrasmall-superbright dots have unraveled more opportunities in upconversion photomedicine with the promise of potentially safer and more effective therapy.
authors.affiliation: National Engineering Research Centre for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China.|School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University , 637459, Singapore.
authors.forename: Yan
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Zhang
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University , 637459, Singapore.
authors.forename: Zhongzheng
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Yu
authors.affiliation: National Engineering Research Centre for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Jingqiu
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: National Engineering Research Centre for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Yanxiao
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Ao
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University , 637459, Singapore.
authors.forename: Jingwen
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Xue
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University , 637459, Singapore.
authors.forename: Zhiping
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Zeng
authors.affiliation: National Engineering Research Centre for Nanomedicine, College of Life Science and Technology, Huazhong University of Science and Technology , 1037 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, 430074, P. R. China.
authors.forename: Xiangliang
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Yang
authors.affiliation: School of Chemical and Biomedical Engineering, Nanyang Technological University , 637459, Singapore.
authors.forename: Timothy Thatt Yang
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-5391-4215
authors.initials: TT
authors.lastname: Tan
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D049109:Cell Proliferation / Q000187:drug effects; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D004317:Doxorubicin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004337:Drug Carriers / Q000737:chemistry; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D065546:Drug Liberation; D005260:Female; D008325:Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology; D051379:Mice; D008807:Mice, Inbred BALB C; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D009354:Neodymium / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000737:chemistry*; D010316:Particle Size; D013329:Structure-Activity Relationship; D013499:Surface Properties; D013696:Temperature; D014407:Tumor Cells, Cultured
chemical_list: D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D004337:Drug Carriers; D009354:Neodymium; D004317:Doxorubicin
keywords: Nd3+-sensitized upconversion nanoparticles; controlled drug release; energy migration manipulation; lattice modification; near-infrared; ultrasmall