Penetration Of Visible Light Research Articles

Aggregation-Induced Emission Luminogen Based Wearable Visible-Light Penetrator for Deep Photodynamic Therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a preferred nonsurgical treatment in clinical applications due to its capacity to selectively eradicate diseased tissues while minimizing damage to normal tissue. Nevertheless, its clinical efficacy is constrained by the limited penetration of visible light. Although near-infrared (NIR) lasers offer enhanced tissue penetration, the dearth of suitable photosensitizers and a pronounced imaging-treatment disparity pose challenges. Additionally, clinical implementation via optical fiber implantation carries infection risks and necessitates minimally invasive surgery, contradicting PDT's noninvasive advantage. In this study, we introduce a brilliant approach utilizing aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgen) to develop a visible-light penetrator (VLP), coupled with wireless light emitting diodes (LEDs), enabling deep photodynamic therapy. We validate the therapeutic efficacy of this visible-light penetrator in tissues inaccessible to conventional PDT, demonstrating significant suppression of inflammatory diffusion in vivo using AIEgen TBPPM loaded within the VLP, which exhibits a transmittance of 86% in tissues with a thickness of 3 mm. This innovative visible-light penetrator effectively overcomes the substantial limitations of PDT in clinical settings and holds promise for advancing phototherapy.

Intravital microscopic thermometry of rat mammary epithelium by fluorescent nanodiamond.

Quantum sensing using the fluorescent nanodiamond (FND) nitrogen-vacancy center enables physical/chemical measurements of the microenvironment, although application of such measurements in living mammals poses significant challenges due to the unknown biodistribution and toxicity of FNDs, the limited penetration of visible light for quantum state manipulation/measurement, and interference from physiological motion. Here, we describe a microenvironmental thermometry technique using FNDs in rat mammary epithelium, an important model for mammary gland biology and breast cancer research. FNDs were injected directly into the mammary gland. Microscopic observation of mammary tissue sections showed that most FNDs remained in the mammary epithelium for at least 8 weeks. Pathological examination indicated no obvious change in tissue morphology, suggesting negligible toxicity. Optical excitation and detection were performed through a skin incision. Periodic movements due to respiration and heartbeat were mitigated by frequency filtering of the signal. Based on these methods, we successfully detected temperature elevation in the mammary epithelium associated with lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation, demonstrating the sensitivity and relevance of the technique in biological contexts. This study lays the groundwork for expanding the applicability of quantum sensing in biomedical research, providing a tool for real-time monitoring of physiological and pathological processes.

HER2-specific liposomes loaded with proteinaceous BRET pair as a promising tool for targeted self-excited photodynamic therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) for deep-seated tumors is still challenging due to the limited penetration of visible light through tissues. To resolve this limitation, systems based on bioluminescence resonance energy transfer (BRET), that do not require an external light source are proposed. Herein, for BRET-activated PDT we developed proteinaceous BRET-pair consisting of luciferase NanoLuc, which acts as energy donor upon addition of luciferase specific substrate furimazine, and phototoxic protein SOPP3 as a photosensitizer. We have shown that hybrid protein NanoLuc-SOPP3 is an excellent BRET pair with BRET ratio of 1.12. Targeted delivery of NanoLuc-SOPP3 BRET pair via tumor-specific small liposomes (∼100 nm) to tumors overexpressing the HER2-receptor (human epidermal growth factor receptor 2) was demonstrated in vitro and in vivo. The proposed BRET-activated system has been shown to significantly suppress tumor growth in a model of subcutaneous and, more importantly, deep-seated tumor model. Taking into account the in vivo efficiency of proposed BRET-activated system, we believe that it has great potential for depth-independent PDT and can significantly broaden the application of PDT in the clinic.

Modern Smart Street Light Monitoring Systems

Abstract: This study highlights the importance of Modern Street light control systems over traditional ones, with LED lamps emerging as the most suitable choice due to their advantagessuch as reduced heat production, lower electricity consumption, and extended lifespan. The main goal is to enhance system efficiency by minimizing unnecessary electricity loss during daylight and when lighting is not required. Automating street lights using LDR and PIR sensorsin conjunction with Arduino Uno offers a costeffective and secure solution, eliminating the drawbacks of manual switching and simplifying cost reduction and maintenance. Additionally,applying a ZnO coating to the street light casings provides effective protection against dust and moisture, resulting in efficient lighting. The process involves sol-gel deposition of ZnO nanoparticles on silica glass substrates, followed by preannealing and repeated dip coating. Annealing at temperatures between 450°C and 600°C further improves the results. The uniformand defect-free coatings are confirmed by SEM images, while transmission spectra reveal over80% penetration of visible light (400 nm to 900 nm). Lower precursor concentrations lead to better penetration of light below 300 nm wavelength.

Fully Implantable and Retrievable Upconversion Waveguides for Photodynamic Therapy in Deep Tissue

AbstractThe clinical administration of biophotonic approaches, such as photodynamic therapy (PDT), is impeded by the low penetration of visible light in biological tissues. The cooperation of infrared (IR) light with deeper penetration and implantable IR‐to‐visible upconversion materials and devices establishes an effective strategy to generate visible light in deep tissue. In this work, a wirelessly powered upconversion waveguide‐based light source is reported for PDT‐based in vivo cancer treatments in deep tissue. Combining microscale IR‐to‐visible upconversion device arrays and a biocompatible waveguide, the implant exhibits enhanced IR transmission in biological environments and generates upconverted red emission in the target region at a depth >10 mm. The red illumination activates a photosensitizer in 5‐aminolevulinic acid (5‐ALA)‐based PDT treatment, inducing massive apoptosis (>60% cell death) of tumor cells. After implanted in tumor‐bearing mice, the waveguides enable chronic operation for more than two weeks and reveal ideal anti‐tumor efficacies in the PDT process. Finally, the biocompatible waveguide can be retrieved from the tissue, leaving minimal traces after treatments. Such a waveguide implant represents a prospective technique to realize optical‐based biological modulations and medical treatments within the body.

An NIR-Driven Upconversion/C3N4/CoP Photocatalyst for Efficient Hydrogen Production by Inhibiting Electron-Hole Pair Recombination for Alzheimer's Disease Therapy.

Redox imbalance and abnormal amyloid protein (Aβ) buildup are key factors in the etiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). As an antioxidant, the hydrogen molecule (H2) has the potential to cure AD by specifically scavenging highly harmful reactive oxygen species (ROS) such as •OH. However, due to the low solubility of H2 (1.6 ppm), the traditional H2 administration pathway cannot easily achieve long-term and effective accumulation of H2 in the foci. Therefore, how to achieve the continuous release of H2 in situ is the key to improve the therapeutic effect on AD. As a corollary, we designed a rare earth ion doped g-C3N4 upconversion photocatalyst, which can respond to NIR and realize the continuous production of H2 by photocatalytic decomposition of H2O in biological tissue, which avoids the problem of the poor penetration of visible light. The introduction of CoP cocatalyst accelerates the separation and transfer of photogenerated electrons in g-C3N4, thus improving the photocatalytic activity of hydrogen evolution reaction. The morphology of the composite photocatalyst was shown by transmission electron microscopy, and the crystal structure was studied by X-ray diffractometry and Raman analysis. In addition, the ability of g-C3N4 to chelate metal ions and the photothermal properties of CoP can inhibit Aβ and reduce the deposition of Aβ in the brain. Efficient in situ hydrogen production therapy combined with multitarget synergism solves the problem of a poor therapeutic effect of a single target. In vivo studies have shown that UCNP@CoP@g-C3N4 can reduce Aβ deposition, improve memory impairment, and reduce neuroinflammation in AD mice.

Near-Infrared Dyes: Towards Broad-Spectrum Antivirals.

Broad antiviral activity in vitro is known for many organic photosensitizers generating reactive oxygen species under irradiation with visible light. Low tissue penetration of visible light prevents further development of antiviral therapeutics based on these compounds. One possible solution to this problem is the development of photosensitizers with near-infrared absorption (NIR dyes). These compounds found diverse applications in the photodynamic therapy of tumors and bacterial infections, but they are scarcely mentioned as antivirals. In this account, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic prospects of various NIR-absorbing and singlet oxygen-generating chromophores for the development of broad-spectrum photosensitizing antivirals.

A biomineral-inspired approach of synthesizing colloidal persistent phosphors as a multicolor, intravital light source.

Many in vivo biological techniques, such as fluorescence imaging, photodynamic therapy, and optogenetics, require light delivery into biological tissues. The limited tissue penetration of visible light discourages the use of external light sources and calls for the development of light sources that can be delivered in vivo. A promising material for internal light delivery is persistent phosphors; however, there is a scarcity of materials with strong persistent luminescence of visible light in a stable colloid to facilitate systemic delivery in vivo. Here, we used a bioinspired demineralization (BID) strategy to synthesize stable colloidal solutions of solid-state phosphors in the range of 470 to 650 nm and diameters down to 20 nm. The exceptional brightness of BID-produced colloids enables their utility as multicolor luminescent tags in vivo with favorable biocompatibility. Because of their stable dispersion in water, BID-produced nanophosphors can be delivered systemically, acting as an intravascular colloidal light source to internally excite genetically encoded fluorescent reporters within the mouse brain.

Novel Biphasically and Reversibly Transparent Phase Change Material to Solve the Thermal Issues in Transparent Electronics.

Highly integrated transparent electronic systems are experiencing significant thermal bottlenecks due to the rapid growth of transparent electronics and the lack of suitable transparent thermal management solutions. Therefore, transparent thermal management materials are highly desirable in modern transparent electronics. Based on the phase change properties of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the encapsulable properties of epoxy resin (EP), we synthesize a biphasically and reversibly transparent PEG/EP composite for thermal energy storage (TPE-TES). Energy-driven structural rearrangements in cross-linked networks are responsible for the high transparency with practical thickness. According to SEM and TEM investigations, PEG and EP achieve submicron phase dispersion, while TPE-TES forms a smooth and continuous surface that suppresses diffuse reflections and contributes to improved visible light penetration. The unique combination of phase change and optical transparency gives TPE-TES the ability to regulate thermal storage, rapid temperature change, and spatial temperature uniformity of transparent electronics. Due to its flexibility, stability, and processability, TPE-TES is also suitable and ideal as thin surface coating films or thick transparent flexible substrates for a wide range of applications in the integration of electronic devices.

Constructing S-scheme 2D/0D g-C3N4/TiO2 NPs/MPs heterojunction with 2D-Ti3AlC2 MAX cocatalyst for photocatalytic CO2 reduction to CO/CH4 in fixed-bed and monolith photoreactors

• 2D MAX Ti 3 AlC 2 anchored g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 synthesized for photocatalytic CO 2 to fuels. • 2D MAX mediated TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 heterojunction found efficient for CO 2 to CH 4 reduction. • Photoactivity of g-C 3 N 4 /MAX/TiO 2 found 97.70 folds higher than TiO 2 under visible light. • MAX promoted CO 2 methanation in TiO 2 /g-C 3 N 4 composite with higher selectivity. • Performance of fixed-bed and monolith photoreactor further confirms higher productivity. Exfoliated 2D MAX Ti 3 AlC 2 conductive cocatalyst anchored with g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 to construct 2D/0D/2D heterojunction has been explored for enhanced CO 2 photoreduction in a fixed-bed and monolith photoreactor. The TiO 2 particle sizes (NPs and MPs) were systematically investigated to determine effective metal-support interaction with faster charge carrier separation among the composite materials. When TiO 2 NPs were anchored with 2D Ti 3 AlC 2 MAX structure, 10.44 folds higher CH 4 production was observed compared to anchoring TiO 2 MPs. Maximum CH 4 yield rate of 2103.5 µmol g −1 h −1 achieved at selectivity 96.59% using ternary g-C 3 N 4 /TiO 2 /Ti 3 AlC 2 2D/0D/2D composite which is 2.73 and 7.45 folds higher than using binary g-C 3 N 4 /Ti 3 AlC 2 MAX and TiO 2 NPs/Ti 3 AlC 2 samples, respectively. A step-scheme (S-scheme) photocatalytic mechanism operates in this composite, suppressed the recombination of useful electron and holes and provides higher reduction potential for efficient CO 2 conversion to CO and CH 4 . More importantly, when light intensity was increased by 5 folds, CH 4 production rate was increased by 3.59 folds under visible light. The performance of composite catalyst was further investigated in a fixed-bed and monolith photoreactor and found monolithic support increased CO production by 2.64 folds, whereas, 53.99 times lower CH 4 production was noticed. The lower photocatalytic activity in a monolith photoreactor was due to lower visible light penetration into the microchannels. Thus, 2D MAX Ti 3 AlC 2 composite catalyst can be constructed for selective photocatalytic CO 2 methanation under visible light in a fixed-bed photoreactor.

Brighten the Future: Photobiomodulation and Optogenetics.

Safe, noninvasive, and effective treatments for brain conditions are everyone's dream. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) based on the photobiomodulation (PBM) phenomenon has recently been adopted in practice, with solid scientific evidence. Optogenetics provides high spatiotemporal resolution to precisely switch on and off a particular circuitry in the brain. However, there are currently no human trials of optogenetics on the human brain. These two approaches-PBM and optogenetics-are promising photonic treatments that target the brain using completely different technologies. PBM is based on the mitochondrial reaction to the photons for up- or downregulation on the cytochrome c oxidase synthase in cellular respiration. It is safe, noninvasive, and good for long-term treatments, with wide applications using light wavelengths ranging from 650 nm to ≈1,100 nm, the red to near-infrared range. Optogenetics is based on the expression of engineered opsins on targeted tissues through viral vectors. The opsins are engineered to be sensors, actuators, or switches and could be precisely controlled by light wavelength ranging from 450 nm to ≈650 nm, the visible light range. The penetration of visible light is limited, and thus the photons cannot be applied directly outside the head without surgical means to create a physical window. PBM using near-infrared light could reach deeper tissues for light directly applied outside the head. Detailed scientific foundations and the state of the art for both technologies are reviewed. Ongoing developments are discussed to provide insight for future research and applications.

Nanoscintillator-Based X-Ray-Induced Photodynamic Therapy.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an emerging treatment option for cancer. In PDT, photosensitizers are delivered to tumors and stimulated by light to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS)-most importantly singlet oxygen (1O2)-to damage tumor cells or induce tissue ischemia. PDT is associated with a low level of systemic toxicity because photosensitizers are usually pharmaceutically inactive in the dark and photoirradiation is applied only to tumor areas in the procedure. Additionally, PDT can be applied repeatedly without cumulative toxicity or incurring resistance, and may stimulate systemic anti-tumor immunity. However, PDT's clinical use has been restricted due to the limited penetration of visible light through tissues. X-rays possess superior tissuepenetration capability and are exploited in X-ray-induced photodynamic therapyto overcome this limitation. Herein we have demonstrated this principle with a novel LiGa5O8:Cr (LGO:Cr)-based nanoscintillator which emits near-infrared X-ray luminescence to both guide external beam therapy and induce PDT with the photosensitizer (2,3-naphthalocyanine) encapsulated in a mesoporous silica shell of thenanoscintillator.

FlyClear: A Tissue-Clearing Technique for High-Resolution Microscopy of Drosophila.

Fluorescently labeled transgenic lines of Drosophila melanogaster are a powerful routine tool in fly laboratories. The possibility to fluorescently visualize individual cell populations or entire tissues and the constantly improving microscopy technologies such as two-photon or light-sheet applications, with deep tissue imaging, hold great potential to address central biological questions at an organismic level. However, strong pigmentation and the opaque nature of the D. melanogaster cuticle hinder the penetration of visible light into internal tissues, thereby limiting the application of fluorescent microscopes to analyses of the outermost surfaces of intact samples. In addition, tissue-induced light scattering and optical aberrations quickly blur the view and, hence, require tissue sectioning for further investigation. We have developed a tissue-clearing and depigmentation approach (FlyClear), which preserves endogenous fluorescent signals and is applicable to various developmental stages ranging from larvae to adult fruit flies (Pende et al. Nature communications 9:4731, 2018). In this chapter, we provide a detailed protocol of the experimental steps involved.

Transparent Air Filters with Active Thermal Sterilization.

The worldwide proliferation of COVID-19 poses the urgent need for sterilizable and transparent air filters to inhibit virus transmission while retaining ease of communication. Here, we introduce copper nanowires to fabricate transparent and self-sterilizable air filters. Copper nanowire air filter (CNAF) allowed visible light penetration, thereby can exhibit facial expressions, helpful for better communication. CNAF effectively captured particulate matter (PM) by mechanical and electrostatic filtration mechanisms. The temperature of CNAF could be controlled by Joule-heating up to 100 °C with thermal stability. CNAF successfully inhibited the growth of E. coli because of the oligodynamic effect of copper. With heat sterilization, the antibacterial efficiency against G. anodireducens was greatly improved up to 99.3% within 10 min. CNAF showed high reusability with stable filtration efficiency and thermal antibacterial efficacy after five repeated uses. Our result suggests an alternative form of active antimicrobial air filter in preparation for the current and future pandemic situations.

Reductant‐Free Synthesis of MnO2 Nanosheet‐Decorated Hybrid Nanoplatform for Magnetic Resonance Imaging‐Monitored Tumor Microenvironment‐Responsive Chemodynamic Therapy and Near‐Infrared‐Mediated Photodynamic Therapy

Recently, the therapeutic efficacy of reactive oxygen species (ROS)‐mediated photodynamic therapy (PDT) involving laser irradiation or chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has been limited by low laser penetration depth and insufficient O2 supply in PDT and modest ROS production in CDT. To address these, a facile “reductant‐free reduction” strategy is developed to construct a smart tumor microenvironment (TME)/near‐infrared dual‐responsive hybrid nanoplatform, consisting of up‐conversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) in the micellar core and MnO2 nanosheets on the organosilica shell, via the self‐assembly of block copolymer and followed by a sol−gel process. The conversion capability of UCNPs improves laser penetration of visible light for initiating the photodynamic process. The degradation of MnO2 nanosheets in the TME rich in acid H2O2 achieves continuous O2 supply for enhanced PDT. Following degradation of MnO2, the endogenous antioxidant glutathione (GSH) is significantly depleted and hydroxyl radicals (•OH) are simultaneously produced though CDT, together inducing massive production of ROS. More importantly, Mn2+ released from MnO2 decomposition serves as a T1‐weighted MR contrast agent, providing an easy monitor for the CDT process. This hybrid MnO2/Ce6@UPOMs nanoplatform could be used for MRI‐monitored tumor therapy of TME‐responsive CDT and NIR‐mediated PDT.

Photon Upconversion Hydrogels for 3D Optogenetics

AbstractThe ability to optically induce biological responses in 3D has been dwarfed by the physical limitations of visible light penetration to trigger photochemical processes. However, many biological systems are relatively transparent to low‐energy light, which does not provide sufficient energy to induce photochemistry in 3D. To overcome this challenge, hydrogels that are capable of converting red or near‐IR (NIR) light into blue light within the cell‐laden 3D scaffolds are developed. The upconverted light can then excite optically active proteins in cells to trigger a photochemical response. The hydrogels operate by triplet–triplet annihilation upconversion. As proof‐of‐principle, it is found that the hydrogels trigger an optogenetic response by red/NIR irradiation of HeLa cells that have been engineered to express the blue‐light sensitive protein Cry2olig. While it is remarkable to photoinduce the clustering of Cry2olig with blanket NIR irradiation in 3D, it is also demonstrated how the hydrogels trigger clustering within a single cell with great specificity and spatiotemporal control. In principle, these hydrogels may allow for photochemical control of cell function within 3D scaffolds, which can lead to a wealth of fundamental studies and biochemical applications.

Higher pulse frequency of near-infrared laser irradiation increases penetration depth for novel biomedical applications.

BackgroundThe clinical efficiency of laser treatments is limited by the low penetration of visible light used in certain procedures like photodynamic therapy (PDT). Second Harmonic Generation (SHG) PDT is an innovative technique to overcome this limitation that enables the use of Near Infrared (NIR) light instead of visible light. NIR frequency bands present an optical window for deeper penetration into biological tissue. In this research, we compare the penetration depths of 405 and 808 nm continuous wave (CW) lasers and 808 nm pulsed wave (PW) laser in two different modes (high and low frequency).MethodsIncreasing thicknesses of beef and chicken tissue samples were irradiated under CW and PW lasers to determine penetration depths.ResultsThe 808 nm CW laser penetrates 2.3 and 2.4 times deeper than the 405 nm CW laser in beef and chicken samples, respectively. 808 nm PW (pulse frequency—500 Hz) penetrates deeper than CW laser at the same wavelength. Further, increasing the pulse frequency achieves higher penetration depths. High frequency 808 nm PW (pulse frequency—71.4 MHz) penetrates 7.4- and 6.0-times deeper than 405 nm CW laser in chicken and beef, respectively.ConclusionsThe results demonstrate the higher penetration depths of high frequency PW laser compared to low frequency PW laser, CW laser of the same wavelength and CW laser with half the wavelength. The results indicate that integrating SHG in the PDT process along with pulsed NIR light may allow the treatment of 6–7 times bigger tumours than conventional PDT using blue light.

Upconversion Nanoparticles-Based Multiplex Protein Activation to Neuron Ablation for Locomotion Regulation.

The optogenetic neuron ablation approach enables noninvasive remote decoding of specific neuron function within a complex living organism in high spatiotemporal resolution. However, it suffers from shallow tissue penetration of visible light with low ablation efficiency. This study reports a upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP)-based multiplex proteins activation tool to ablate deep-tissue neurons for locomotion modulation. By optimizing the dopant contents and nanoarchitecure, over 300-fold enhancement of blue (450-470 nm) and red (590-610 nm) emissions from UCNPs is achieved upon 808 nm irradiation. Such emissions simultaneously activate mini singlet oxygen generator and Chrimson, leading to boosted near infrared (NIR) light-induced neuronal ablation efficiency due to the synergism between singlet oxygen generation and intracellular Ca2+ elevation. The loss of neurons severely inhibits reverse locomotion, revealing the instructive role of neurons in controlling motor activity. The deep penetrance NIR light makes the current system feasible for in vivo deep-tissue neuron elimination. The results not only provide a rapidly adoptable platform to efficient photoablate single- and multiple-cells, but also define the neural circuits underlying behavior, with potential for development of remote therapy in diseases.

Sono-optogenetics facilitated by a circulation-delivered rechargeable light source for minimally invasive optogenetics.

Optogenetics, which uses visible light to control the cells genetically modified with light-gated ion channels, is a powerful tool for precise deconstruction of neural circuitry with neuron-subtype specificity. However, due to limited tissue penetration of visible light, invasive craniotomy and intracranial implantation of tethered optical fibers are usually required for in vivo optogenetic modulation. Here we report mechanoluminescent nanoparticles that can act as local light sources in the brain when triggered by brain-penetrant focused ultrasound (FUS) through intact scalp and skull. Mechanoluminescent nanoparticles can be delivered into the blood circulation via i.v. injection, recharged by 400-nm photoexcitation light in superficial blood vessels during circulation, and turned on by FUS to emit 470-nm light repetitively in the intact brain for optogenetic stimulation. Unlike the conventional "outside-in" approaches of optogenetics with fiber implantation, our method provides an "inside-out" approach to deliver nanoscopic light emitters via the intrinsic circulatory system and switch them on and off at any time and location of interest in the brain without extravasation through a minimally invasive ultrasound interface.

808 nm Near-Infrared Light-Excited UCNPs@mSiO2-Ce6-GPC3 Nanocomposites For Photodynamic Therapy In Liver Cancer.

BackgroundIt is important to explore effective treatment for liver cancer. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a novel technique to treat liver cancer, but its clinical application is obstructed by limited depth of visible light penetration into tissue. The near-infrared (NIR) photosensitizer is a potential solution to the limitations of PDT for deep tumor tissue treatment.PurposeWe aimed to investigate 808 nm NIR light-excited UCNPs@mSiO2-Ce6-GPC3 nanocomposites for PDT in liver cancer.MethodsIn our study, 808 nm NIR light-excited upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) were simultaneously loaded with the photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6) and the antibody glypican-3 (GPC3), which is overexpressed in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. The multitasking UCNPs@mSiO2-Ce6-GPC3 nanoparticles under 808 nm laser irradiation with enhanced depth of penetration would enable the effective targeting of PDT.ResultsWe found that the UCNPs@mSiO2-Ce6-GPC3 nanoparticles had good biocompatibility, low toxicity, excellent cell imaging in HepG2 cancer cells and high anti-tumor effect in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionWe believe that the utilization of 808 nm NIR excited UCNPs@mSiO2-Ce6-GPC3 nanoparticles for PDT is a safe and potential therapeutic option for liver cancer.