In vivo photodynamic therapy using upconversion nanoparticles as remote-controlled nanotransducers

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review

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Author(s)

  • Niagara Muhammad Idris
  • Muthu Kumara Gnanasammandhan
  • Jing Zhang
  • Paul C. Ho
  • Ratha Mahendran

Detail(s)

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)1580-1585
Journal / PublicationNature Medicine
Volume18
Issue number10
Publication statusPublished - Oct 2012
Externally publishedYes

Abstract

Conventional photodynamic therapy (PDT) is limited by the penetration depth of visible light needed for its activation. Here we used mesoporous-silica- coated upconversion fluorescent nanoparticles (UCNs) as a nanotransducer to convert deeply penetrating near-infrared light to visible wavelengths and a carrier of photosensitizers. We also used the multicolor-emission capability of the UCNs at a single excitation wavelength for simultaneous activation of two photosensitizers for enhanced PDT. We showed a greater PDT efficacy with the dual-photosensitizer approach compared to approaches using a single photosensitizer, as determined by enhanced generation of singlet oxygen and reduced cell viability. In vivo studies also showed tumor growth inhibition in PDT-treated mice by direct injection of UCNs into melanoma tumors or intravenous injection of UCNs conjugated with a tumor-targeting agent into tumor-bearing mice. As the first demonstration, to the best of our knowledge, of the photosensitizer-loaded UCN as an in vivo-targeted PDT agent, this finding may serve as a platform for future noninvasive deep-cancer therapy. © 2012 Nature America, Inc. All rights reserved.

Bibliographic Note

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Citation Format(s)

In vivo photodynamic therapy using upconversion nanoparticles as remote-controlled nanotransducers. / Idris, Niagara Muhammad; Gnanasammandhan, Muthu Kumara; Zhang, Jing et al.
In: Nature Medicine, Vol. 18, No. 10, 10.2012, p. 1580-1585.

Research output: Journal Publications and ReviewsRGC 21 - Publication in refereed journalpeer-review