Multifunctional Nd(3+)-sensitized upconversion nanomaterials for synchronous tumor diagnosis and treatment.

Core-shell structured Nd(3+)-sensitized NaYF4:Yb/Nd/Er@NaYF4:Nd@mSiO2 nanoparticles (NPs) were designed and synthesized. The NaYF4:Yb/Nd/Er@NaYF4:Nd core imparts the nanomaterials with luminescence properties for upconversion optical imaging under 808 nm laser irradiation, whereas the mesoporous SiO2 shell allows the nanomaterials to be loaded with anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX). In vivo toxicity assessment has confirmed that the NPs have low systematic toxicity in healthy mice. In vivo antitumor activity shows that the nanocomposites exhibit greater antitumor efficacy than pure DOX. As a result, the composite nanomaterials can serve as nanotheranostic materials for synchronous upconversion luminescence imaging under 808 nm laser irradiation, and as anticancer drug delivery vehicles, so as to integrate the diagnosis and treatment of cancers in vivo.