Organic phosphorescent nanoscintillator for low-dose X-ray-induced photodynamic therapy

Xiao Wang, Wenjing Sun, Huifang Shi, Huili Ma, Guowei Niu, Yuxin Li, Jiahuan Zhi, Xiaokang Yao, Zhicheng Song, Lei Chen, Shi Li, Guohui Yang, Zixing Zhou, Yixiao He, Shuli Qu, Min Wu, Zhu Zhao, Chengzhu Yin, Chongyang Lin, Jia GaoQiuying Li, Xu Zhen, Lin Li, Xiaoyuan Chen, Xiaogang Liu, Zhongfu An, Hongmin Chen, Wei Huang

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

108 Scopus citations

Abstract

X-ray-induced photodynamic therapy utilizes penetrating X-rays to activate reactive oxygen species in deep tissues for cancer treatment, which combines the advantages of photodynamic therapy and radiotherapy. Conventional therapy usually requires heavy-metal-containing inorganic scintillators and organic photosensitizers to generate singlet oxygen. Here, we report a more convenient strategy for X-ray-induced photodynamic therapy based on a class of organic phosphorescence nanoscintillators, that act in a dual capacity as scintillators and photosensitizers. The resulting low dose of 0.4 Gy and negligible adverse effects demonstrate the great potential for the treatment of deep tumours. These findings provide an optional route that leverages the optical properties of purely organic scintillators for deep-tissue photodynamic therapy. Furthermore, these organic nanoscintillators offer an opportunity to expand applications in the fields of biomaterials and nanobiotechnology.

Original languageEnglish
Article number5091
JournalNature Communications
Volume13
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - Dec 2022

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