Near infrared-emitting persistent luminescence nanoparticles@macrophages as cell-based carriers for precise imaging-guided cancer cell ablation

Abstract

Conventional fluorescence-guided theranostics has a low signal-to-noise ratio and target efficiency that has limited its clinical application. To solve these problems, we developed near infrared-emitting persistent luminescence nanoparticles loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles (mZGC) with macrophages acting as cellular carriers to mediate targeted delivery of these theranostic agents to the tumor area. The system can effectively improve the signal-to-noise ratio by reducing short-lived autofluorescent interference originating from in situ excitation, and the use of macrophages as cellular carriers for theranostic agent loading can significantly improve oncotherapeutic target efficiency. Furthermore, the photothermal properties of ICG@mZGC were evaluated, and an excellent photothermal performance was achieved, with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 23.29%. Therefore, the near infrared-emitting persistent luminescence nanoparticles@macrophage delivery system has potential applications as a phosphorescent drug carrier, and provides a novel paradigm for the ablation of various cancer cells.