In this work, a
tumor-targeted multifunctional mesoporous upconversion nanoparticle-based drug controlled release system was developed for UCL/MRI/PAT guided synergetic chemo-
thermotherapy. Herein, the core-shell mesoporous upconversion nanoparticles served as
drug carrier exhibiting higher upconversion luminescence emission intensity, with
CuS as a gatekeeper through a cleavable
disulfide bond under the influence of
glutathione.
CuS could not only prevent drug from early release during the delivery but also improve the delivery system function with the ability of
photothermal therapy and photoacoustic tomography.
Hyaluronic acid grafted on the surface of mesoporous upconversion nanoparticles could interact with CD44 receptors over-expressed in
tumor cells, facilitating the drug delivery system to accumulate in
tumor tissues. The synergy between
chemotherapy and
photothermal therapy was studied in vitro and in vivo, showing powerful anti-
tumor effect. In cooperation with the multi-mode imaging, the size, site and morphology of
tumor were clearly observed throughout the disease's progression.