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Nanotechnology

Breakthrough in Nanotechnology: Researchers Develop New Strategy for Precise Tumor Therapy

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Researchers from Donghua University in Shanghai, China, have made a significant breakthrough in the field of nanotechnology, developing a new strategy for precise tumor therapy. The team, led by Hongwei Wu, presented a near-infrared (NIR) light-driven approach that utilizes thulium-doped core-shell nanoparticles (UCNPs) to enable localized in situ polymerization within tumor cells. This innovation aims to overcome the limitations of current approaches, including phototoxicity and limited tissue penetration of ultraviolet (UV)/visible light-triggered exogenous polymerization.

Key Takeaways:

  • The researchers developed a NIR light-driven strategy using thulium-doped core-shell nanoparticles (UCNPs) to facilitate precise, localized in situ polymerization within tumor cells.
  • The UCNPs convert NIR (980 nm) light to UV wavelengths (345 and 360 nm), activating photoinitiated radical polymerization.
  • The team enhanced the emission of UCNPs in the UV region by 113.7-fold and 84.8-fold compared to the luminescent core, respectively.
  • The nanoplatform forms an inorganic-polymer hybridized 3D fibrous network upon in situ polymerization, disrupting actin dynamics, impeding cell migration, and compromising mitochondrial function.
  • This research provides a promising paradigm for in situ 3D polymer network assembly, advancing the applications of UCNPs in tumor therapy and beyond.

Statistics:

  • The UCNPs exhibit a 113.7-fold increase in emission intensity at 345 nm and an 84.8-fold increase in emission intensity at 360 nm compared to the luminescent core.
  • The nanoplatform forms a 3D fibrous network upon in situ polymerization, with enhanced emission in the UV region.
  • The research was funded by National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC), National Key R&D Program of China, and National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC).
  • The study was peer-reviewed and published in ACS Nano, a renowned scientific journal.

Sources:

  • ACS Nano (2025; 19(25): 23379-23392)
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)
  • National Key R&D Program of China
  • National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)
  • Journal of Technology & Science (July 27, 2025; p 948)

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