A novel multifunctional carrier with magnetic-NIR luminescent-microwave heating characteristics for drug delivery

Abstract

We constructed a novel core–shell structured Fe3O4@WO3-x(x = 0∼1)@GdF3: Yb/Er nanoparticles with magnetic-NIR luminescent-microwave heating characteristics used as drug carrier to investigate the loading and controllable release properties of the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX). The porous surface of Fe3O4@WO3-x(x = 0∼1)@GdF3:Yb/Er nanoparticles can store DOX molecules by means of physical adsorption. The Fe3O4 core and GdF3: Yb/Er shell functioned successfully for magnetic targeting (1.40 emu•g−1) and NIR fluorescence imaging (NIR 650–850 nm), respectively. The introduction of WO3-x(x = 0∼1) with LSPR effect enhanced the luminescence of near-infrared region of Fe3O4@WO3-x(x = 0∼1)@GdF3:Yb/Er nanoparticles successfully. In addition, the WO3-x(x = 0∼1) acts as a good microwave absorber with excellent microwave thermal response property for microwave triggered drug release (the DOX release of 12% under microwave irradiation for 10 s outclass the 2% within 1 h without microwave irradiation release). The release profile could be controlled by the duration and number of cycles of microwave application. Moreover, it can monitor the drug release process in real time under the guidance of near infrared imaging, which is convenient to evaluate the therapeutic effect. This work provides a new idea for realizing the visual real-time dynamic monitoring of the chemotherapy process and realizing “positioning-timing-quantitative” administration, thus improving the chemotherapy effect.