High Energy Transfer Efficiency Research Articles

Ultrasensitive prostate specific antigen monitoring based on electrochemiluminescent immunesystem with synergistic signal amplification effect of resonance energy transfer coupling with K2S2O8-H2O2 dual coreactants

• The synergistic effect of coupling dual coreactants with the surface plasmon resonance of AgNPs enhancement was used as an effective signal amplification strategy. • OH • arising in the process was able to induce the decomposition of S 2 O 8 2− into SO 4 • − resulting in a vigorous ECL enhancement. • The amplified ECL immunosensor was fabricated for highly-sensitive detection of PSA. • The sensing system provides an alternative charming method for other biomolecules assays. In this work, an effective signal amplification strategy was used for the fabrication of the ultrasensitive sandwich-typed electrochemiluminescence (ECL) immunosensing platform. The combining of K 2 S 2 O 8 -H 2 O 2 dual coreactants with the localized surface plasmon resonance of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) resulted in the remarkable increase of ECL response. Noticeably, because of the perfect overlap between the plasmon spectra of AgNPs and the ECL emission spectra of graphitic carbon nitride quantum dots (g-CNQDs), a plasmon-enhanced ECL phenomenon was proved in g-CNQDs/AgNPs system result from high efficient energy transfer. Besides, the ECL signal of the ECL immunosensor was greatly improved in the presence of K 2 S 2 O 8 -H 2 O 2 dual coreactants. Consequently, this synergistic amplified ECL sensing platform was applied for the specific prostate specific antigen (PSA) analysis. Under the optimum conditions, the immunoassay strategy demonstrated excellent sensing performance with a wide linear concentration of PSA from 1.0 × 10 − 5 ng mL −1 to 500 ng mL −1 and a detection limit of 0.0046 pg mL −1 (S/N = 3). Considering the favorable analytical feedback in actual serum samples assay, the developed strategy indicated an enormous potential for biomarkers analysis.

Accurate Modeling of Excitonic Coupling in Cyanine Dye Cy3.

Accurate modeling of excitonic coupling in molecules is of great importance for inferring the structures and dynamics of coupled systems. Cy3 is a cyanine dye that is widely used in molecular spectroscopy. Its well-separated excitation bands, high sensitivity to the surroundings, and the high energy transfer efficiency make it a perfect choice for excitonic coupling experiments. Many methods have been used to model the excitonic coupling in molecules with varying degrees of accuracy. The atomic transition charge model offers a high-accuracy and cost-effective way to calculating the excitonic coupling. The main focus of this work is to generate high-quality atomic transition charges that can accurately model the Cy3 dye's transition density. The transition density of the excitation of the ground to first excited state is calculated using configuration-interaction singles and time-dependent density functional theory and is benchmarked against the algebraic diagrammatic construction method. Using the transition density we derived the atomic transition charges using two approaches: Mulliken population analysis and charges fitted to the transition electrostatic potential. The quality of the charges is examined, and their ability to accurately calculate the excitonic coupling is assessed via comparison to experimental data of an artificial biscyanine construct. Theoretical comparisons to the supermolecule ab initio couplings and the widely used point-dipole approximation are also made. Results show that using the transition electrostatic potential is a reliable approach for generating the transition atomic charges. A high-quality set of charges, that can be used to model the Cy3 dye dimer excitonic coupling with high-accuracy and a reasonable computational cost, is obtained.

A fluorescence/phosphorescence dual-emitting metal-organic framework exhibiting two approaches for single-phase white-light emission

The unique features of metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) endow the huge advantages for room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP) and as host matrices for multiple emission and single-phase white light. Herein, a new biluminescent MOF ([Cd3(TCPBDA)2]·8DMF·2H2O, 1) was successfully synthesized. Compound 1 itself exhibits the white-light emission due to fluorescence-phosphorescence dual emission. To the best of our knowledge, it is the first example that the single-phase white emission could be obtained by the construction of biluminescent MOF. Compound 1 was also employed as the energy transfer host matrix with the encapsulation of red guest emitter 4-(dicyanomethylene)-2-methyl-6-(p-dimethylaminostyryl)-4H-pyran (DCM) into framework via one-pot process. The high energy transfer efficiency was occurred from host to guest, importantly, the single-phase phosphor DCM@1–1 (0.15 ​wt% DCM) displays warm white light with CIE coordinates of (0.33, 0.33). In addition, a WLED lamp with compound 1 as phosphor was prepared, exhibiting moderate correlated color temperature (CCT) of 4779 ​K and color-rendering index (CRI) of 71. These results open a new perspective for the development of single-phase white-light materials.

Tunable Luminescence of Ce3+/Eu2+ Activated in Single-Phase Li2BaSiO4 Phosphor via Energy Transfer

A series of Ce3+,Eu2+ co-doped Li2BaSiO4 cyan-green phosphors were synthesized by a high temperature solid phase method. The crystal structure, morphology, luminescent properties and temperature characteristics of the corresponding samples were systematically studied. The main peaks of the emission spectra of Li2BaSiO4:Ce3+,Eu2+ were shifted from 400 nm to 500 nm by adjusting the Ce3+,Eu2+ co-doping concentration. And a series of phosphors with continuous changes from blue to cyan green were obtained, which effectively compensated for the gap between the white LED at 470–510 nm region. The energy transfer efficiency and mechanism of Ce3+,Eu2+ in Li2BaSiO4 were studied by fluorescence lifetime. The highest energy transfer efficiency was 46.01%, and the energy transfer mechanism was determined to be electric dipole-electric dipole transition. Finally, fabricating a white LED device which coated blue, green-yellow, red and as-prepared cyan phosphors on the surface of ultraviolet chip (350 nm), and the device exhibited excellent luminescence characteristics (Ra = 95.2, CCT = 3105 K). The results show that the Li2BaSiO4:Ce3+,Eu2+ phosphor developed can be regard as single-component tunable color luminescent materials under the excitation of near ultraviolet light.

Salt-Resistive Photothermal Materials and Microstructures for Interfacial Solar Desalination

Solar interfacial evaporation, featured by high energy transfer efficiency, low cost, and environmental compatibility, has been widely regarded as a promising technology for solar desalination. However, the interplay between energy transfer and water transport in the same channels suggests that the tradeoff between high efficiency and long-term stability inherently exists in conventional photothermal nanomaterials. We summarize state-of-the-art research on various anti-salt clogging photothermal microstructures as long-term stable interfacial solar evaporators for solar desalination. The review starts with an overview of the current status and the fundamental limit of photothermal materials for solar desalination. Four representative strategies are analyzed in detail with the most recent experimental demonstrations, including fluid convection enhancement, surface wettability engineering, energy-mass-path decoupling, and surface chemistry engineering. Finally, this article focuses on the challenges in anti-salt clogging solar interfacial evaporators and potential point-of-use applications in the future.

Ultracompact Energy Transfer in Anapole-based Metachains.

Realization of electromagnetic energy confinement beyond the diffraction limit is crucial for high-performance on-chip devices. Herein we construct an array of nonradiative anapoles that originate from the destructive far-field interference of electric and toroidal dipole modes to achieve ultracompact and high-efficiency electromagnetic energy transfer without the coupler. We experimentally investigate the proposed metachain at mid-infrared frequencies and give the first near-field experimental evidence of anapole-based energy transfer, in which the spatial profile of the anapole mode is also unambiguously identified on the nanoscale. We further demonstrate that the metachain is intrinsically lossless and scalable at infrared wavelengths, realizing a 90° bending loss down to 0.32 dB at the optical communication wavelength. The present scheme bridges the gap between the energy confinement and the transfer of anapoles and opens a new gate for more compactly integrated photonic and energy devices, which can operate in a broad spectral range.

Difference in light use strategy in red alga between Griffithsia pacifica and Porphyridium purpureum

Phycobilisomes (PBSs) are the largest light-harvesting antenna in red algae, and feature high efficiency and rate of energy transfer even in a dim environment. To understand the influence of light on the energy transfer in PBSs, two red algae Griffithsia pacifica and Porphyridium purpureum living in different light environment were selected for this research. The energy transfer dynamics in PBSs of the two red algae were studied in time-resolved fluorescence spectroscopy in sub-picosecond resolution. The energy transfer pathways and the related transfer rates were uncovered by deconvolution of the fluorescence decay curve. Four time-components, i.e., 8 ps, 94 ps, 970 ps, and 2288 ps were recognized in the energy transfer in PBSs of G. pacifica, and 10 ps, 74 ps, 817 ps and 1292 ps in P. purpureum. In addition, comparison in energy transfer dynamics between the two red algae revealed that the energy transfer was clearly affected by lighting environment. The findings help us to understand the energy transfer mechanisms of red algae for adaptation to a natural low light environment.

Aflatoxin B1 Induced Structural and Conformational Changes in Bovine Serum Albumin: A Multispectroscopic and Circular Dichroism-Based Study.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mutagen that has been categorized as a group 1 human carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer. It is produced as a secondary metabolite by soil fungi Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus. Here, in this study, the effect of AFB1 on the structure and conformation of bovine serum albumin (BSA) using multispectroscopic tools like fluorescence spectroscopy, ultraviolet–visible absorption spectroscopy, and circular dichroism spectropolarimetry has been ascertained. Ultraviolet absorption spectroscopy revealed hyperchromicity in the absorption spectra of BSA in the presence of AFB1. The binding constant was calculated in the range of 104 M–1, by fluorescence spectroscopy suggesting moderate binding of the toxin to BSA. The study also confirms the static nature of fluorescence quenching. The stoichiometry of binding sites was found to be unity. The competing capability of warfarin for AFB1 was higher than ibuprofen as calculated from site marker displacement assay. Förster resonance energy transfer confirmed the high efficiency of energy transfer from BSA to AFB1. Circular dichroism spectropolarimetry showed a decrease in the α-helix in BSA in the presence of AFB1. The melting temperature of BSA underwent an increment in the presence of a mycotoxin from 62.5 to 70.3 °C. Molecular docking confirmed the binding of AFB1 to subdomain IIA in BSA.

High-efficiency energy transfer pathways between Er(III) and Tm(III) in metal-organic frameworks for tunable upconversion emission and optical temperature sensing

In this work, Er3+/Tm3+ co-doped lanthanide metal-organic frameworks with uniform rod-like shape were obtained by one-step method, maintaining porous structure as well as upconversion characteristics under near-infrared excitation. The significant enhancement in upconversion emissions of Er3+ have been observed due to the Tm3+-mediated energy transfer pathways. By modulating the ratio of Er3+ to Tm3+, tuning upconversion luminescence from yellow to blue light were achieved. Efficient energy transfer from Er3+ to Tm3+ were demonstrated in metal-organic frameworks and the mechanism was discussed in detail. In addition, the Er/Tm-MOF was applied as an optical thermometer based on thermally coupled levels of Er3+, exhibiting high absolute and relative sensitivities. These results will pave an avenue to novel Ln-MOFs for color-tunable photoluminescence and optical sensors.

A ratiometric fluorogenic nanoprobe for real-time quantitative monitoring of lysosomal pH

Lysosomes are known as key players in cellular signalling and act as terminal degradation stations involved in a multitude of cellular processes. Being a highly influential physiological factor, pH is essential in the regulation of lysosome-mediated physiological and pathological processes. Aberrant pH fluctuations are highly related to lysosomal dysfunction that correlates to lysosomal storage diseases and neurodegenerative disorders. As such, real-time quantitative monitoring of lysosomal pH (pHL) is crucial for gaining insight into lysosomal dysfunction but challenging by the lack of effective lysosome-specific probes with high signal fidelity. Toward this end, we have proposed a lysosomal fluorogenic nanoprobe (TR-MP) for reliable ratiometric measuring of pHL. It is fabricated by rational manipulation of fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) in a tailorable nanoplatform. The nanoprobe consists of biocompatible silica nanoparticles assembled with a pH-sensitive rhodamine derivative (RDM-TEOS) as an acceptor and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) fluorophore (TPE-OMe) as a donor to ensure high energy transfer efficiency. Further equipped with cell-penetrating facilitator and morpholine to enable effective cell-internalization and high lysosome affinity of TR-MP. Results show that TR-MP can quantitatively measure pH in a range of 3.0 – 7.0 and detect pHL fluctuations in live cells under various stimuli, as well as real-time monitor pHL during apoptosis.

Achieving high quantum efficiency independent on luminescence center through sub-lattice cage engineering

Duly promoting the relating structure engineering at the level of sub-lattice can accelerate the discovery and improvement of new phosphor materials. In this paper, we describe a new concept of “sub-lattice cage engineering” as a potential design principle for designing novel Sr8MgCe(PO4)7, (Sr8-xTbx)MgCe(PO4)7 and Sr8(Mg1-yMny)Ce(PO4)7 phosphors with double cage structure. In these phosphors, the inner cage consists of three configurations: Sr/MgO8, Sr/MgO9 and PO4 polyhedrons and the outer cage is constituted by two configurations: Sr/MgO8 and Sr/MgO9 polyhedrons. Relying on this design, no matter single-emitter doping or multi-emitters doping, and no matter electron transition of homogeneous ions or energy transfer between heterogeneous ions, they all achieve a high quantum efficiency and energy transfer efficiency independent on luminescence center. As a result, the representative lanthanide ions of Ce3+ and Tb3+ as well as typical transition element of Mn2+ in these phosphors all exhibit high internal quantum efficiency (IQE) over 97.6%, 87% and 71.5% and energy transfer efficiency (ETE) of Ce3+-Tb3+ and Ce3+-Mn2+ up to 92% and 83%, respectively. All the IQE and ETE are higher than the known prominent ones for Ce3+, Mn2+ and Tb3+ doped phosphors. As the proof-of-concept, a white LED using these phosphors as the core components is fabricated, and it can be operated at high power density (>100 mA), thus further verifying their potential for some prospective applications, such as high-power lighting and laser display.

Upconversion Fluorescence Resonance Energy Transfer Aptasensors for H5N1 Influenza Virus Detection.

Influenza A virus (IAV) poses a significant threat to human health, which calls for the development of efficient detection methods. The present study constructed a fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) system based on novel fluorescent probes and graphene oxide (GO) for detecting H5N1 IAV hemagglutinin (HA). Here, we synthesized small (sub-20 nm) sandwich-structured upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) (SWUCNPs for short) with a high energy transfer efficiency, which allows for controlling the emitter in a thin shell. The π–π stacking interaction between the aptamer and GO shortens the distance between the fluorescent probe and the receptor, thereby realizing fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET). When HA is present, the aptamer enables changes in their conformations and move away from GO surface. Fluorescence signals display a linear relationship between HA quantitation in the range of 0.1–15 ng mL–1 and a limit of detection (LOD) of 60.9 pg mL–1. The aptasensor was also applicable in human serum samples with a linear range from 0.2 to 12 ng mL–1 and a limit of detection of 114.7 pg mL–1. This strategy suggested the promising prospect of the aptasensor in clinical applications because of the excellent sensing performance and sensitivity. This strategy may be promising for vitro diagnostics and provides new insights into the functioning of the SWUCNPs system.

Improving acceptor efficacy rather than energy transfer efficiency: Dominant contribution of monomers of acceptors modified on upconversion nanoparticles

Upconversion nanosensitizers have been widely considered to have important applications in the treatment of major diseases such as tumors and the utilization of solar energy. Majority of the efforts so far have been focused on improving the efficiency of energy transfer (ET) between upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and the anchored sensitizers with premise that high ET efficiency will lead to high acceptor efficacy. This premise is, however, proved by our current work to be invalid for commonly used load. Interaction between adjacent sensitizing molecules was found to be critical which undermines the amount of excited monomer sensitizers and thus fades the efficacy. Here NaYF4:Yb3+,Er3+ UCNPs and rose bengal (RB) photosensitizer molecules were used as the model energy donors and acceptors, respectively. Contrary to monotonous increase of the ET efficiency from UCNPs to RB species with increasing RB loading, acceptor efficacy characterized by the reactive oxygen species, as well as the RB fluorescence, exhibits bizarre dependence on the RB loading. The underlying mechanism was well studied by the steady-state and time-resolved spectroscopy of a series of samples. RB aggregates are believed to be responsible for the severe deviation between the ET efficiency and acceptor efficacy. The conclusion was validated by in vitro test where the photodynamic therapy with the most monomer RB in UCNPs-RB nanosensitizers kills 35.8% more cells than that with the highest RB loading. This understanding sheds light on construction of new ET based nanosystems for broad applications, such as medicine, solar energy utilization and optical storage.

Effect of Stitch Structure on the Reading Performance of Fabric-Based Embroidered UHF RFID Tags

As the demand for low-cost rapid preparation techniques for RFID (Radio Frequency Identification) fabric tags is increasing, embroidery technologists have attempted to fabricate tag antennas. However, the effects of stitch structures on the performance of tag antennas have rarely been studied. Since the structure of an embroidered stitch is related to the embroidering process parameters and embroidery thread, this study chose a common stitch trace type to prepare two sets of UHF RFID tag antennae by changing the embroidery thread structure and stitch length, and then the electrical and gain properties of these antennas were analyzed. And again, the reading performance of the corresponding tag was evaluated. The results showed that the antennas embroidered with copper/PET wrapped yarns have higher energy transfer efficiency than those with single copper wire yarns. When the stitch length increases from 0.9 to 5 mm, the read range of the embroidered tag firstly increases and then decreases, due to the large embroidering process deviation of the tag antenna geometry, and the optimal stitch length for the read range is 1.7 mm, where the read range is 12.95 m. When the stitch length is 5 mm, the read range is minimum – 9.56 m. In summary, this study determined the embroidered thread structure and the process design of the stitch length in terms of the performance of a fabric-based embroidery antenna for an RFID tag as well as the read range.

Tailoring Color-Tunable Dual Emissions of Mn2+-Alloyed Two-Dimensional Perovskite Quantum Wells

While manganese (Mn2+)-doped chalcogenide and perovskite CsPbX3 nanocrystals (NCs) have been extensively investigated, the research of color-tunable dual-emissive Mn2+-incorporated two-dimensional (2D) quantum wells (QWs) is limited. Here, we present alloyed Mn:(PEA)2PbBr4 2D perovskite QWs, achieving efficient dual-color emissions with high energy transfer efficiency (ΦET = 56%) and solid-state photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY = 54%). Importantly, excitation and temperature are demonstrated as two efficient approaches to precisely modulate color-tunable dual emissions with excellent reversibility. The results indicate possible applications of such materials in photo-/thermal switchable markers and efficient thermometers for biomedical imaging and diagnostic investigations.

Design of flexible dendritic systems bearing donor-acceptor groups (pyrene-porphyrin) for FRET applications

Herein, we report the synthesis and characterization of a novel series of dendritic compounds, bearing peripheral pyrene groups and a porphyrin core, of zero and first generation with different spacer lengths. These compounds were further metallated with Zn(II) and Mg(II). The optical properties of these dendritic molecules were studied by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopy. After metallation, the dendritic porphyrins exhibited a red shift in the Soret absorption band and a blue shift in the emission band. All compounds exhibited high energy transfer efficiency, reaching values of EFRET above 99%.

Hierarchically Designed Salt‐Resistant Solar Evaporator Based on Donnan Effect for Stable and High‐Performance Brine Treatment

AbstractInterfacial solar evaporation is considered to be a promising technology to treat brine with high energy transfer efficiency and a minimized carbon footprint. However, salt accumulation on solar evaporators during the brine treatment process has limited their widespread application. Herein, a hierarchically designed salt‐resistant solar evaporator is demonstrated, featuring confined Na+ with salt‐resistant ability based on the Donnan effect. The high chemical potential of confined Na+ leads to the Donnan distribution equilibrium, which minimizes the amount of the salt ions diffusing into the water supply layer and therefore fundamentally avoids salt accumulation. With this hierarchical design, the solar evaporator enables stable evaporation from high‐salinity brine (15 wt% NaCl) with a solar‐to‐vapor efficiency of 80% under 1 sun irradiation over a long period of time. Therefore, it provides an alternative and promising pathway for solar water treatment of high salinity brine.

An intracellular enzyme-responsive polymeric prodrug with synergistic effect of chemotherapy and two-photon photodynamic therapy

The combination of chemotherapy/photodynamic therapy (PDT) has shown synergistically enhanced anticancer efficacies. However, precise delivery of therapeutic agents to the site-of-action and activation of PDT in deep tissues are still challenging. Herein, a poly [oligo (ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate] (polyOEGMA)-functionalized dendritic polymer-paclitaxel prodrug with a hydrophobic core was designed and prepared to encapsulate pyropheophorbide a (PPa) and an imidazole derivative, two-photon (TP) absorption compound T1. As a short peptide GFLG that was sensitive to intracellular cathepsin B was inserted into the branches of the dendritic polymer and also used as a linker to conjugate paclitaxel (PTX) to the polymer, the nanosystem released PTX in a tumor microenvironment-responsive manner and was partially degraded. The TP compound T1 had a high energy-transfer efficiency and displayed an enhanced two-photon photodynamic therapy (TP-PDT) effect, thus resulting in an increased anticancer efficacy, which was confirmed with the results of in situ TP-PDT anti-tumor efficiencies and apoptosis assays. The synergistic effect on inhibition of tumor growth in the 4T1 xenograft mice was achieved due to the combination of chemotherapy (PTX) and PDT (PPa or TP-PDT compound T1). Importantly, the chemo/TP-PDT combined system achieved a much higher tumor growth inhibition (TGI, 67.23%) in the tissue surrounded with thick swine muscle as compared to the group treated with PTX and PPa (48.92%). The prodrug-based nanosystem loaded with PTX and TP-PDT agents could overcome the challenge of conventional one-photon PDT with a short penetration depth into tissues to achieve a notably enhanced synergistic anticancer efficacy.

A precisely space-separated strategy of donor-acceptor for intense red emitting composite borosilicate glass co-doped with CsPbCl3 quantum dots and Mn2+ ions

Optical ions doped transparent glasses have attracted more and more attention because of their potential application in photonic applications. Unfortunately, optically active dopants occupy at non-crystalline coordination environment, which leads to their poor luminescence efficiency. Therefore, how to enhance luminescence efficiency of optically active dopants in glasses remains a great challenge. Here, we proposed a precisely space-separated strategy of donor-acceptor and successfully developed an intense red emitting composite borosilicate glass co-doped with CsPbCl3 quantum dots and Mn2+ ions. By rationally controlling post heat-treatment, CsPbCl3 QDs acting as donor were uniformly precipitated in glass and Mn2+ ions acting as acceptor are close to CsPbCl3 QDs but not inside CsPbCl3 QDs. Benefitted from high absorption efficiency of CsPbCl3 QDs and efficient energy transfer from CsPbCl3 QDs to Mn2+ ions in glasses, Mn2+ ions give an intense red broadband emission at 650 nm, 11 times as intense as the one without CsPbCl3 QDs. The optimal external quantum yield of the as-synthesized composite borosilicate glass is estimated to be 28.5%, 9.5 times as large as 3% for the one without CsPbCl3 QDs. The precise space-separation and energy transfer rate dependent non-radiative energy coupling mechanism was reasonably proposed to explain how CsPbCl3 QDs highly absorb energy, efficiently transfer it and finally feeding Mn2+ ion. These results demonstrate that the strategy of using microcrystalline with high absorption efficiency as donor, for instance, CsPbX3 QDs, to pump optical activator ions as acceptor, for instance, Mn2+ ion in glass may be very promising for developing high luminescent performance ions-doped transparent glasses.

Nucleolin-Targeted DNA Nanotube for Precise Cancer Therapy through Förster Resonance Energy Transfer-Indicated Telomerase Responsiveness.

Precise drug delivery holds great promise in cancer treatment but still faces challenges in controllable drug release in tumor cells specifically. Herein, a nucleolin-targeted and telomerase-responsive DNA nanotube for drug release was developed. First, a DNA nanosheet with four capture strands on its surface was prepared, which could bind and load ricin A chain (RTA). The RTA-loaded nanosheet was further converted into a DNA nanotube with a high Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) efficiency in the presence of a Cy3-modified DNA fastener by hybridizing with the Cy5-modified DNA and another DNA-containing telomerase primer sequence along the long sides. Moreover, the aptamer of nucleolin was assembled on the DNA nanotube by combining with the hybrid chain at the terminal. The aptamer-functionalized and RTA-loaded DNA nanotube displayed enhanced tumor permeability and precise drug release in response to the telomerase in tumor cells, following the change of the FRET signal and RTA-induced cell death. Moreover, the DNA nanotube was applied successfully in vivo, and there was an obvious inhibition of tumor growth on xenograft-bearing mice following systemic administration, indicating that the constructed DNA nanotube represents a promising platform for precise RTA delivery in target cancer therapy.