Citation: Huiyuan CHU. Preparation of functionalized upconversion nanoparticles for synergetic oxygen-enhancing photodynamic/chemodynamic therapy[J]. Chinese Journal of Inorganic Chemistry, ;2026, 42(2): 413-427. doi: 10.11862/CJIC.20250183 shu

Preparation of functionalized upconversion nanoparticles for synergetic oxygen-enhancing photodynamic/chemodynamic therapy

Huiyuan CHU

Department of Chemistry and Environmental Engineering, Hetao College, Bayannur, Inner Mongolia 015000, China

Received Date: 2 June 2025
Revised Date: 4 January 2026

Figures(9)

An upconversion nanoparticle (NaErF₄: Yb/Tm@NaLuF₄: Yb@NaLuF₄: Nd/Yb@NaLuF₄, noted as UC) was designed, emitting strong red light by 808 nm laser. The mesoporous silica (mSiO₂) shell co-doped with chlorin e6 (Ce6) and triethoxy(1H, 1H, 2H, 2H-nonafluorohexyl)silane (TFS) was coated on the outer layer of UC, and then a layer of HKUST-1 shell was coated. The obtained nanocomposite UC@Ce6/TFS@mSiO₂@HKUST-1 (noted as UCTSH) was used for the synergistic treatment of chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Interestingly, the nanostructures can specifically re lease Cu²⁺ in the acidic tumor microenvironment. Cu²⁺ reacts with excess hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the tumor microenvironment to form cytotoxic hydroxyl radical. Secondly, Ce6, with the action of oxygen-carrying TFS, selectively produces a large amount of singlet oxygen by 808 nm laser irradiation. UCTSH can enhance the anti-tumor effects of PDT and CDT by increasing the production level of reactive oxygen species, without causing damage to normal cells.
- upconversion nanoparticles,
- chemodynamic therapy,
- photodynamic therapy,
- synergistic therapy
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