Yb3+-enhanced UCNP@SiO2 nanocomposites for consecutive imaging, photothermal-controlled drug delivery and cancer therapy

UCNP-based drug delivery systems commonly rely on stimuli-sensitive auxiliaries, lacking a straightforward manipulation strategy. Here we designed Yb3+-enhanced upconversion/mesoporous silica nanocomposites (UCNP@SiO2) for consecutive cell imaging, photothermal drug delivery and cancer therapy. Core UCNPs (NaYbF4: 2% Er3+) were synthesized and coated with mesoporous silica, whose high-efficiency photothermal properties were verified in vitro. Then doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX) was loaded on the UCNP@SiO2 and successfully triggered to release by a 975 nm laser of 150 mW or 300 mW. Before the therapy, we used a much lower laser power of 15 mW (which would cause little DOX release) for UCNP-probed fluorescence imaging of Hela cells and affirmed a favorable cell uptake of nanocomposites. Subsequently, cell viability assay and PI stain have demonstrated that the 300 mW laser could manipulate drug delivery of UCNP@SiO2-DOX and cause a severe loss of cell viability. The Yb3+-enhanced UCNP@SiO2 shows a great potential in simultaneous biomedical imaging and photothermal-triggered on-site drug delivery for chemotherapy of cancer.