Efficient temperature sensing using photoluminescence of Er/Ybimplanted GaN thin films

tThe luminescence characteristics of GaN films implanted with Er at low doses were evaluated. The defect-related yellow luminescence (YL) and green luminescence (GL) bands observed under direct excitationwith 488 nm were attributed to the transitions via different charge levels of the same defect. The quench-ing behavior of the luminescence intensity either with the temperature or concentration variation can beattributed to nonradiative energy transfer (ET) and/or charge transfer by trapping impurities. The tem-perature dependence of the YL band allowed us to identify the defect responsible for this emission. Thebest candidate for this defect was found to be a nitrogen-vacancy. A GaN sample co-doped with Er3+andYb3+ions was prepared, and its optical properties were analyzed. The incorporation of Yb3+improved thePL emission intensity in the visible region. This feature results from the efficient ET processes betweenthese two doping ions. The color coordinate analysis indicates that Er3+/Yb3+co-doped GaN semiconduc-tor emits light with color in the white-light region. To investigate the temperature sensing applicationof the synthesized co-doped semiconductor, the temperature-sensing performance was evaluated usingthe fluorescence intensity ratio technique in the temperature range 200–300K. The significant temper-ature sensitivity indicates its potential as a temperature sensing probe. The maximum sensitivity was15 × 10−4K−1at 200 K

X-ray and MR contrast bearing nanoparticles enhance the therapeutic response of image-guided radiation therapy for oral cancer

INTRODUCTION: Radiation therapy for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma is constrained by radiotoxicity to normal tissue. We demonstrate 100 nm theranostic nanoparticles for image-guided radiation therapy planning and enhancement in rat head and neck squamous cell carcinoma models. METHODS: PEG conjugated theranostic nanoparticles comprising of Au nanorods coated with Gadolinium oxide layers were tested for radiation therapy enhancement in 2D cultures of OSC-19-GFP-luc cells, and orthotopic tongue xenografts in male immunocompromised Salt sensitive or SS rats via both intratumoral and intravenous delivery. The radiation therapy enhancement mechanism was investigated. RESULTS: Theranostic nanoparticles demonstrated both X-ray/magnetic resonance contrast in a dose-dependent manner. Magnetic resonance images depicted optimal tumor-to-background uptake at 4 h post injection. Theranostic nanoparticle + Radiation treated rats experienced reduced tumor growth compared to controls, and reduction in lung metastasis. CONCLUSIONS: Theranostic nanoparticles enable preprocedure radiotherapy planning, as well as enhance radiation treatment efficacy for head and neck tumors

In-vitro fluorescence imaging, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy and photothermal therapy of human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells by CaMoO4:Eu@Au hybrid nanoparticles

Multifunctional Eu3+-doped CaMoO4@Au-nanorods (GNR) core/shell nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized for fluorescence imaging, SERS detection and PTT applications. Anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) antibodies were conjugated with the synthesized NPs to enhance the specificity because EGFR, as a biomarker of cancer, was overexpressed on human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells (A549). The red fluorescence of the synthesized NPs coms from the Europium ion (Eu3+). The GNR component serves both as a SERS-active and PTT substrates. By conjugating with a Raman reporter molecule, 4-mercaptobenzoic acid (MBA), it generates SERS signals. Meantime, heat can be rapidly generated by 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation of the prepared NPs. Fluorescence microscopy exhibited that these particles largely located around cellular cytoplasm. Meantime, Raman mapping confirmed the distribution of these NPs by SERS characteristic peak selection. In addition, these NPs effectively suppressed A549 cells viability upon 808 nm laser irradiation. Thus, this study shows the potential of CaMoO4:Eu@GNR NPs with fluorescence imaging, SERS detection and PTT functionalities

In vitro biomechanical properties, fluorescence imaging, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and photothermal therapy evaluation of luminescent functionalized CaMoO4:Eu@Au hybrid nanorods on human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells

Highly dispersible Eu3+-doped CaMoO4@Au-nanorod hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) exhibit optical properties, such as plasmon resonances in the near-infrared region at 790 nm and luminescence at 615 nm, offering multimodal capabilities: fluorescence imaging, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection and photothermal therapy (PTT). HNPs were conjugated with a Raman reporter (4-mercaptobenzoic acid), showing a desired SERS signal (enhancement factor 5.0 × 105). The HNPs have a heat conversion efficiency of 25.6%, and a hyperthermia temperature of 42°C could be achieved by adjusting either concentration of HNPs, or laser power, or irradiation time. HNPs were modified with antibody specific to cancer biomarker epidermal growth factor receptor, then applied to human lung cancer (A549) and mouse hepatocyte cells (AML12), and in vitro PTT effect was studied. In addition, the biomechanical properties of A549 cells were quantified using atomic force microscopy. This study shows the potential applications of these HNPs in fluorescence imaging, SERS detection, and PTT with good photostability and biocompatibility

<i>In vitro</i> biomechanical properties, fluorescence imaging, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy, and photothermal therapy evaluation of luminescent functionalized CaMoO₄:Eu@Au hybrid nanorods on human lung adenocarcinoma epithelial cells

<p>Highly dispersible Eu³⁺-doped CaMoO₄@Au-nanorod hybrid nanoparticles (HNPs) exhibit optical properties, such as plasmon resonances in the near-infrared region at 790 nm and luminescence at 615 nm, offering multimodal capabilities: fluorescence imaging, surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) detection and photothermal therapy (PTT). HNPs were conjugated with a Raman reporter (4-mercaptobenzoic acid), showing a desired SERS signal (enhancement factor 5.0 × 10⁵). The HNPs have a heat conversion efficiency of 25.6%, and a hyperthermia temperature of 42°C could be achieved by adjusting either concentration of HNPs, or laser power, or irradiation time. HNPs were modified with antibody specific to cancer biomarker epidermal growth factor receptor, then applied to human lung cancer (A549) and mouse hepatocyte cells (AML12), and <i>in vitro</i> PTT effect was studied. In addition, the biomechanical properties of A549 cells were quantified using atomic force microscopy. This study shows the potential applications of these HNPs in fluorescence imaging, SERS detection, and PTT with good photostability and biocompatibility.</p

Progress in remotely triggered hybrid nanostructures for next-generation brain cancer theranostics

Progress in nanomedicine has enabled the development of smart hybrid nanostructures (HNSs) for brain cancer theranostics, a novel platform that can diagnose the brain while concurrently beginning primary treatment, initiating secondary treatments where necessary, and monitoring the therapy response. These HNSs can release guest molecules/cargoes directly to brain tumors in response to external physical stimuli. Such physical stimulation is generally referred to as remote stimuli which can be externally applied examples include alternating magnetic field, visible or near-infrared light, ultrasound radiation, X-ray, and radiofrequency. The release of therapeutic cargoes in response to physical stimuli can be performed along with photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, phototriggered chemotherapeutics, sonodynamic therapy, electrothermal therapy, and magnetothermal therapy. Herein, we review different HNSs currently used as remotely triggered modalities in brain cancer, such as organic–inorganic HNSs, polymer micelles, and liposomes HNSs. We also summarize underlying mechanisms of remote triggering brain cancer therapeutics including single- and two-photon triggering, thermoresponsive HNSs, photoresponsive HNSs, magnetoresponsive HNSs, and electrically and ultrasound-stimulated HNSs. In addition to a brief synopsis of ongoing research progress on “smart” HNSs-based platforms of novel brain cancer therapeutics, the review offers an up-to-date development in this field for neuro-oncologists, material/nanoscientists, and radiologists so that a rapid clinical impact can be achieved through a convergence of multidisciplinary expertise