Liquid Marbles Based on Magnetic Upconversion Nanoparticles as Magnetically and Optically Responsive Miniature Reactors for Photocatalysis and Photodynamic Therapy

Angew Chem Int Ed Engl. 2016 Aug 26;55(36):10795-9. doi: 10.1002/anie.201604781. Epub 2016 Aug 3.

Abstract

Magnetic liquid marbles have recently attracted extensive attention for various potential applications. However, conventional liquid marbles based on iron oxide nanoparticles are opaque and inadequate for photo-related applications. Herein, we report the first development of liquid marbles coated with magnetic lanthanide-doped upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) that can convert near-infrared light into visible light. Apart from their excellent magnetic and mechanical properties, which are attractive for repeatable tip opening and magnetically directed movements, the resultant UCNP-based liquid marbles can act as ideal miniature reactors for photodynamic therapy of cancer cells. This work opens new ways for the development of liquid marbles, and shows great promise for liquid marbles based on UCNPs to be used in a large variety of potential applications, such as photodynamic therapy for accelerated drug screening, magnetically guided controlled drug delivery and release, and multifunctional actuation.

Keywords: liquid marbles; magnetic properties; nanoparticles; photodynamic therapy; upconversion.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, Non-P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Catalysis
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival / drug effects
  • Drug Carriers / chemistry
  • Humans
  • Infrared Rays*
  • Lanthanoid Series Elements / chemistry
  • Magnetics*
  • Metal Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy
  • Organosilicon Compounds / chemistry
  • Photochemotherapy
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / pharmacology
  • Photosensitizing Agents / therapeutic use
  • Protoporphyrins / chemistry
  • Protoporphyrins / pharmacology
  • Protoporphyrins / therapeutic use

Substances

  • Drug Carriers
  • Lanthanoid Series Elements
  • Organosilicon Compounds
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Protoporphyrins
  • protoporphyrin IX