Persistent luminescence nanoparticles for cancer theranostics application

Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) are unique optical materials that emit afterglow luminescence after ceasing excitation. They exhibit unexpected advantages for in vivo optical imaging of tumors, such as autofluorescence-free, high sensitivity, high penetration depth, and multiple excitation sources (UV light, LED, NIR laser, X-ray, and radiopharmaceuticals). Besides, by incorporating other functional molecules, such as photosensitizers, photothermal agents, or therapeutic drugs, PLNPs are also widely used in persistent luminescence (PersL) imaging-guided tumor therapy. In this review, we first summarize the recent developments in the synthesis and surface functionalization of PLNPs, as well as their toxicity studies. We then discuss the in vivo PersL imaging and multimodal imaging from different excitation sources. Furthermore, we highlight PLNPs-based cancer theranostics applications, such as fluorescence-guided surgery, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, drug/gene delivery and combined therapy. Finally, future prospects and challenges of PLNPs in the research of translational medicine are also discussed.

Automated summary

PLNPs are unique optical materials that emit afterglow luminescence after ceasing excitation, making them ideal for in vivo optical imaging of tumors. They have advantages such as autofluorescence-free, high sensitivity, high penetration depth, and multiple excitation sources. Furthermore, they are widely used in cancer theranostics applications, including fluorescence-guided surgery, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, drug/gene delivery, and combined therapy.