Fibrous CaF2:Yb, Er@SiO2-PAA 'tumor patch' with NIR-triggered and trackable DOX release. (5th April 2017) - Xia, Zhen
Abstract: Smart localized drug delivery systems (LDDSs), with stimuli-responsive properties, offer tremendous opportunity for personalized cancer chemotherapy. In our work, an implantable 'tumor patch', consisting of upconversion (UC) photoluminescent CaF2 :Yb, Er nanoparticles embedded within silica nanofibers (CaF2 :Yb, Er@SiO2 ), was designed and synthesized for doxorubicin (DOX) delivery. DOX loading capacity of the fiber mesh was remarkably enhanced with assist of polyacrylic acid (PAA) functionalization. PAA modified CaF2 :Yb, Er@SiO2 nanofibers presented highly corresponding optical response to DOX release kinetics. Accelerated drug release in acidic condition induced more rapid increase in the spectral intensity ratio of green to red emission (I550 /I660 ), and vice versa . More importantly, under the irradiation of NIR (808 nm) laser, DOX release kinetics and consequently the in - vitro anti-cancer efficacy were enhanced. This study has thus offered another new implantable LDDS with NIR-triggered and monitored DOX delivery for personalized protocols in tumor chemotherapy. Graphical abstract: Highlights: Upconversion luminescent CaF2 :Yb, Er nanoparticles were embedded within SiO2 nanofibers. With PAA surface modification, nanofibers presented pH-triggered and optic-monitoring DOX releasing properties Under NIR irradiation, DOX releasing kinetics accelerated and the in - vitro anti-cancer efficacy was enhanced.