Persistent Luminescence Nanoparticles Research Articles

Trimodality applications validation of near-infrared persistent luminescence nanoparticles

Here, we introduced Cr ion, as emission center, to achieve the NIR emission for MgGa2O4, while Zn ion is used to increase oxygen vacancy to improve the emission intensity. Thus, Mg0.9Zn0.1Ga2O4: 0.006 Cr3+ (MZGC) was prepared as the optimal composite with the enhanced NIR emission at 708 nm, while the host, Mg0.9Zn0.1Ga2O4 (MZG), exhibited the afterglow emission at 425 nm under 224 nm excitation. The result from density functional theory confirmed Cr and Zn ions occupied in the octahedral coordination to improve the optical behaviors. The NIR emission of MZGC was applied for bioimaging as confirmed with mice model under both visible and NIR excitation. We proposed MZGC strategy for fingerprint imaging and recognition with their resistance to stray light interference. By applying the mixture of MZGC and MZG, we realized ratiometric temperature sensing at 35–40 °C within body temperature range. The optical mechanism clearly illustrated for tri-modality applications as bioimaging, fingerprint recognition, and temperature sensing. This work provides a reliable method for the improvement of optical properties and thus extend the applications of persistent luminescence nanoparticles.

Retraction of “Extracellular Vesicles Embedded with Persistent Luminescence Nanoparticles Exhibiting Near-Infrared Emission for Long-Term Tracking in Primary Tumors”

Retraction of “Extracellular Vesicles Embedded with Persistent Luminescence Nanoparticles Exhibiting Near-Infrared Emission for Long-Term Tracking in Primary Tumors”

Heterojunction composites of covalent organic frameworks grown on the surface of persistent luminescent nanoparticles for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and degradation of organic pollutants

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have shown great promise for photocatalytic hydrogen evolution from water and photocatalytic degradation of organic pollutants. However, a single COFs suffers from poor photogenerated charge separation efficiency. In this study, we synthesized persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs)@COFs composites with core–shell heterostructures by the in situ growth of COFs on the surface of PLNPs. The PLNPs@COFs composites demonstrated better photocatalytic performance than pure PLNPs and COFs. The hydrogen production rate of PLNPs@COFs (1:6) was about 35 mmol h−1 g−1, and the photodegradation efficiency of Rhodamine B by PLNPs@COFs (3:1) reached 100 % in 50 min. Evidently, the combination of COFs with PLNPs to form a core–shell heterostructure with a tight contact interface can effectively improve the photogenerated charge separation efficiency. Our covalent bonding and in situ growth approach is more conducive to the formation of stable core-shell heterostructures. A good match between the persistent luminescence emission spectrum of the PLNPs and the absorption range of the COFs improves the potential of PLNPs@COFs to function as a round-the-clock photocatalyst. This strategy holds excellent promise in the efficient use of solar photocatalytic hydrogen evolution and in environmental purification in the future.

Detection of ascorbic acid by persistent luminescent nanoparticles based on CoOOH nanosheets modification.

Persistent luminescent nanomaterials (PLNPs) Zn0.8Ga2O4: Cr3+, Zr3+ with high brightness and good dispersion were prepared by hydrothermal method. The PLNPs were used as luminescent units, and CoOOH nanosheets were used as quenching agents. Based on the fluorescence internal filtering effect, the luminescence of PLNPs were effectively quenched by CoOOH modification on the surface of PLNPs. However, the introduction of ascorbic acid (AA) restored the luminescence of PLNPs and successfully achieved highly sensitive and selective detection of AA. This was due to a selective redox reaction between CoOOH and AA, in which CoOOH was reduced to Co2+. The degree of luminescence recovery of PLNPs showed a good linear relationship with AA concentration in the range 5-250 µM, with a detection limit of 0.72 µM. Therecovery of actualspikedsamples were 97.9-102.2%. This method isexpected to provide reference for the study of other redox substances in biological systems.

Persistent Luminescence Nanoplatform for Autofluorescence-Free Tracking of Submicrometer Plastic Particles in Plant.

The uptake of plastic particles by plants and their transport through the food chain make great risks to biota and human health. Therefore, it is important to trace plastic particles in the plant. Traditional fluorescence imaging in plants usually suffers significant autofluorescence background. Here, we report a persistent luminescence nanoplatform for autofluorescence-free imaging and quantitation of submicrometer plastic particles in plant. The nanoplatform was fabricated by doping persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) onto polystyrene (PS) nanoparticles. Cr3+-doped zinc gallate PLNP was employed as the dopant for autofluorescence-free imaging due to its persistent luminescence nature. In addition, the Ga element in PLNP was used as a proxy to quantify the PS in the plant by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Thus, the developed nanoplatform allows not only dual-mode autofluorescence-free imaging (persistent luminescence and laser-ablation ICP-MS) but also ICP-MS quantitation for tracking PS in plant. Application of this nanoplatform in a typical plant model Arabidopsis thaliana revealed that PS mainly distributed in the root (>99.45%) and translocated very limited (<0.55%) to the shoot. The developed nanoplatform has great potential for quantitative tracing of submicrometer plastic particles to investigate the environmental process and impact of plastic particles.

Persistent Luminescence Nanosensors: A Generalized Optode-Based Platform for Autofluorescence-Free Sensing in Biological Systems.

Fluorescent nanosensors have revolutionized diagnostics and our ability to monitor cellular dynamics. Yet, distinguishing sensor signals from autofluorescence remains a challenge. Here, we merged optode-based sensing with near-infrared-emitting ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) to create nanocomposites for autofluorescence-free "glow-in-the-dark" sensing. Hydrophobic modification and incorporation of the persistent luminescence nanoparticles into an optode-based nanoparticle core yielded persistent luminescence nanosensors (PLNs) for five analytes (K+, Na+, Ca2+, pH, and O2) via two distinct mechanisms. We demonstrated the viability of the PLNs by quantifying K+ in fetal bovine serum, calibrating the pH PLNs in the same, and ratiometrically monitoring O2 metabolism in cultures of Saccharomyces cerevisiae, all the while overcoming their respective autofluorescence signatures. This highly modular platform allows for facile tuning of the sensing functionality, optical properties, and surface chemistry and promises high signal-to-noise ratios in complex optical environments.

Improvement of Hydrogen Peroxide and Glucose Detection in Serum using Persistent Luminescent Nanoparticles: Impact of Synthesis Parameters and Particle Size

AbstractPersistent Luminescent Nanoparticles (PLNPs) emit prolonged light after excitation, allowing getting images with high signal‐to‐noise ratio, making them particularly beneficial for in vitro biodetection. In this study, we report the preparation of a library of gallium and zinc‐based Persistent Luminescent Nanoparticles doped with chromium (ZnGa2O4:Cr3+) through two distinct syntheses conducted at 120 °C for 12 hours or 24 hours, followed by a calcination at 500 °C or 750 °C. Using centrifugation, and starting from polydisperse samples, we demonstrated the ability to achieve different sizes in a monodisperse manner. Furthermore, our research revealed that ZnGa2O4:Cr3+ (ZGO) nanoparticles react differently with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) based on their size, synthesis duration, and calcination temperature. We observed the most significant amplification of persistent luminescence for ZGO particles prepared at 120 °C for 12 hours and calcinated at 500 °C, with a size of approximately 100 nm, in the presence of 100 mM H2O2 (later named ZGO‐2). This study enabled the detection of H2O2 in serum without autofluorescence using the developed PLNPs, with a detection limit of up to 2.1 μM and a recovery rate of around 99 %. Additionally, we designed a glucose test for based on the responsiveness of ZGO PLNPs to H2O2. Using glucose oxidase, the glucose detection limit in serum was established around 0.13 μM, with a detection range between 0–5 μM. These findings could open new avenues to further control the size, synthesis, calcination temperature, and persistent luminescence of PLNPs, thus enhancing their utility in the development of new in vitro biosensors.

Biological window excited up-conversion persistent luminescence nanoparticles for bioimaging and photodynamic therapy

Near-infrared (NIR) persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) have inherent advantages for high-sensitivity bioimaging due to the separation of excitation and emission light. However, the single-wavelength emission of NIR PLNPs for bioimaging limits their use in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Herein, a biological window excited up-conversion (UC) PLNPs, Zn3Ga2SnO8:Cr3+,Yb3+,Ho3+ (ZGS), was reported for bioimaging and PDT. ZGS exhibits NIR persistent luminescence (PersL) after red LED excitation and visible UCL under 980 nm excitation. The NIR PersL is designed for in vivo bioimaging; the visible UCL is used to activate photosensitizer (PS) to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for PDT. The dual-functional ZGS with UCL and PersL provides an effective method for bioimaging and PDT, which is expected to further promote the application of PLNPs in the integration of efficient diagnosis and treatment.

Energy-storing DNA-based hydrogel remodels tumor microenvironments for laser-free photodynamic immunotherapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a promising modality for cancer treatment. However, limited tissue penetration of external radiation and complicated tumor microenvironments (TMEs) restrict the antitumor efficiency of PDT. Herein, we report an energy-storing DNA-based hydrogel, which enables tumor-selective PDT without external radiation and regulates TMEs to achieve boosted PDT-mediated tumor immunotherapy. The system is constructed with two ultralong single-stranded DNA chains, which programmed partial complementary sequences and repeated G-quadruplex forming AS1411 aptamer for photosensitizer loading via hydrophobic interactions and π-π stacking. Then, energy-storing persistent luminescent nanoparticles are incorporated to sensitize PDT selectively at tumor site without external irradiation, generating tumor antigen to agitate antitumor immune response. The system catalytically generates O2 to alleviate hypoxia and releases inhibitors to reverse the IDO-related immunosuppression, synergistically remodeling the TMEs. In the mouse model of breast cancer, this hydrogel shows a remarkable tumor suppression rate of 78.3 %. Our study represents a new paradigm of photodynamic immunotherapy against cancer by combining laser-free fashion and TMEs remodeling.

Chromium-doped zinc gallate: Impact of Sn4+ co-doping on the persistent luminescence properties at the nanoscale applied to bio-imaging

Persistent luminescence (PersL) nanoparticles emit a signal that lasts long after the excitation has ended, enabling highly sensitive bioimaging without background noise. By using UV light as the excitation source prior to injection, a strong PersL signal can be detected in vivo before disappearing within a few hours. For long-term imaging, we have shown in the past that visible LED can be used to re-excite ZnGa1.995Cr0.005O4 (ZGO:Cr3+) nanoparticles in vivo, producing a signal intensity that is, however, much lower compared to the signal obtained after the UV pre-excitation method. This lower signal intensity of the nanoprobe when using a visible LED may prevent its detection in some cases. Herein, we report an improvement in visible LED excitation efficiency using PersL Zn1.33Ga1.335Cr0.005Sn0.33O4 (ZGSO:Cr3+) nanoparticles. We fully compared ZGSO:Cr3+ and the original ZGO:Cr nanoparticles in terms of structure, optical properties and bio-imaging potential. Co-doping with tin strongly increases persistent luminescence, even at the nanoscale. In vivo imaging results showed that ZGSO:Cr3+ exhibited an approximately 3-fold signal enhancement over ZGO:Cr3+ using UV pre-excitation. More interestingly, when using LED excitation, the signal intensity of ZGSO: Cr3+ is more than 10 times higher than that of ZGO:Cr3+, making ZGSO nanoparticles much easier to detect. ZGSO:Cr nanoparticles can be surface-modified with PEG to produce nanoprobes with much longer residence time in blood. This unique comparison between the two compositions makes ZGSO:Cr3+ a more effective imaging diagnostic probe than the original ZGO:Cr3+ nanoparticles, opening up new applications for in vivo diagnostics.

Photosensitizer-Free Nanophosphor-Based theranostic probe for controllable photodynamic and photothermal visualization therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a powerful candidate for cancer intervention as for the merits of least-invasiveness, multidrug resistance-free and spatiotemporal selectivity. Whereas, clinical photosensitizers (PSs) suffer from microsecond-level reactive oxygen species (ROS) lifetime requiring 20–30 min continuous exterior light stimulation, deficient photostable nature and off-target phototoxicity in nonmalignant tissues. Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs), are proven to exert long-lasting ROS production after the excitation cessation (hours to days), and serve as photostable imaging agent for diagnose. Herein, a traceable theranostic agent, ZP@PCM PLNPs is prepared by modifying polyaniline (PANI) onto Zn1.2Ga1.6Ge0.2O4: Cr3+ (ZGGC) to obtain ZP PLNPs and wrapping phase-change material (PCM) as outer protective shell. Solid-phase PCM isolates inner ZP PLNPs from surrounding oxygen during circulation to circumvent off-target photosensitization. Once ZP@PCM PLNPs accumulated within tumors, external laser triggered PANI assisted photothermal therapy (PTT) initiates, and thermal melting of PCM shell occurs leading to the exposure of ZP PLNPs to switch on PDT. PANI also facilitates PDT efficacy optimization, enabling ZP PLNPs of 2-fold ROS yield compared to ZGGC PLNPs, sustained up to 48 h upon 10 min of illumination. ZP@PCM PLNPs with long-term, moderate therapy modality presents ameliorated anti-tumor effect, achieving tumor inhibition rate of 92.2 % over that of ∼ 46 % with individual ZGGC PLNPs, and shows satisfactory biosafety without tissues damage or inflammatory response. Meanwhile, the autofluorescence-free visualization potency helps to self-report therapeutic outcomes and determine treatment duration. Overall, ZP@PCM PLNPs provide a promising PSs-free alternative candidate for finely controlled PDT/PTT and visualization tumor therapy.

Enhancing Persistent Luminescence through Synergy between Optimal Electron Traps and Dye Sensitization.

Due to their unique afterglow ability, long-wavelength-light rechargeable persistent luminescence (PersL) nanoparticles (PLNPs) have been emerging as an important category of imaging probes. Among them, ZnGa2O4:0.6% Cr3+ (ZGC) PLNPs have gained widespread recognition due to the ease of synthesis and uniform morphology. Unfortunately, the limited absorption arising from the low molar extinction coefficient of Cr3+ results in relatively low afterglow intensity and rapid decay after long-wavelength LED light irradiation. Herein, we discovered a strategy that boosting dye-sensitization performance was able to effectively amplify the PersL signal under white LED light. Specifically, Dil served as a highly efficient sensitizer for Cr3+, promoting the absorption of the excitation light. By adjusting the Pr dopant concentrations, ZGCP0.5 PLNPs with optimal trap densities were obtained, which showed the highest PersL intensity and dye-sensitized performance. Strikingly, ZGCP0.5-Dil PLNPs exhibited a 24.3-fold enhancement in intensity and a 2-fold prolongation of decay time over bare ZGC PLNPs through the synergy effect of optimal electron traps and dye sensitization. Photostable ZGCP0.5-Dil PLNPs enabled imaging of the HepG2 tumor and effectively guided tumor surgical resection verified by the H&E staining analysis. This strategy could be a significant reference in other dye-sensitization PLNPs to enhance longer-wavelength rechargeable PersL.

A novel “off–on” ratiometric aptasensor based on dual-emissive persistent luminescent nanoparticles for the detection of dopamine

Dopamine, a neurotransmitter with multiple functions in the brain. The abnormal of dopamine levels are generally considered to be associated with various nervous system diseases. Herein, a novel ‘‘off–on” single-excited dual-emissive ratio luminescent aptasensor for highly sensitive and accurate monitoring of DA levels has been prepared via electrostatic interaction connecting persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) ZnGaO:Sm and ZnGeO:Mn with different emission wavelengths. ZnGaO:Sm@Cy5.5-ZnGeO:Mn (ZGS@Cy5.5-ZGM), this ratiometric aptasensor exhibits two-emission peaks at 533 and 700 nm under a single-excitation wavelength of 254 nm. The afterglow luminescence of ZnGaO:Sm-apt@Cy5.5 at 700 nm is effective quenched by complementary chains of Cy5.5-modified DA aptamers with 710 nm specific absorption and only efficiently recovered by DA; meanwhile, the afterglow luminescence of ZnGeO:Mn as reference at 533 nm remains unchanged. The as-designed autofluorescence-free and exogenous-free interference ratiometric sensing system ZGS@Cy5.5-ZGM showed high selectivity for DA in complex biological samples. Under optimal detection conditions, the luminescence intensity ratio Δ(I700/I533) showed a good linear relationship with the concentration of DA in the range of 0.02–80 μM and the detection limit as low as 4 nM. The recoveries of DA in serum, urine and sweat were 97.4 % to 105.3 %, 96.4 % to103.4 %, and 95.1 % to 104.4 %, respectively. Current strategies based on PLNPs ratiometric sensors provide an effective method with high selectivity and accuracy for the detection of DA in clinical samples.

RETRACTED: Extracellular Vesicles Embedded with Persistent Luminescence Nanoparticles Exhibiting Near-Infrared Emission for Long-Term Tracking in Primary Tumors

RETRACTED: Extracellular Vesicles Embedded with Persistent Luminescence Nanoparticles Exhibiting Near-Infrared Emission for Long-Term Tracking in Primary Tumors

Functional Green-Emitting Mn2+-doped Zinc Germanate Persistent Luminescent Nanoparticles for Dual-Mode Immunochromatographic Detection.

Immunochromatography is a commonly used immediate detection technique, using signal labels to generate detection signals for rapid medical diagnosis. However, its detection sensitivity is affected by background fluorescence caused by the excitation light source. We have developed an immunochromatographic test strip using Zn2GeO4:Mn2+ (ZGM) persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) for immediate fluorescence detection and highly sensitive persistent luminescence (PersL) detection without background fluorescence interference. ZGM emits a strong green light when exposed to ultraviolet (UV) excitation, and its green PersL can persist for over 30 min after the excitation light is turned off. We modified the surface of ZGM with heparin-binding protein (HBP) antibodies to create immunochromatographic test strips for the detection of HBP as the target analyte. Under UV excitation, the chromatography test paper can be visually observed at concentrations as low as 25 ng/mL. After the excitation light source is switched off, PersL can achieve a detection limit of 4.7 ng/mL without background interference. This dual-mode immunochromatographic detection, based on ZGM, shows great potential for in vitro diagnostic applications.

A novel dual recognition sensor based on molecularly imprinted polymers and photochemical aptamer for non-autofluorescence determination of dopamine

Dopamine (DA), as a neurotransmitter that plays a crucial role in neuronal communication. Abnormal levels of DA concentration in vivo are associated with severe neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease. Highly selective and highly efficient determination of DA from complex biological samples is very important. In this work, m-MIPs@DA@ZGGC-Apt, a novel sandwich structure persistent luminescence sensor was designed based on a photochemical aptamer sensor and magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers (m-MIPs). By modifying aptamers on the surface of ZGGC persistent luminescent nanoparticles, ZGGC-Apt probes with dual capabilities (recognition and detection) were obtained, which allowed for specific recognition and autofluorescence-free detection of DA. The m-MIPs recognition probe with specific cavity captures of DA was synthesized using Fe3O4 as the imprint carrier. In the presence of both probes, a m-MIPs@DA@ZGGC-Apt sandwich structure was formed continuously in real samples with the increase in DA concentration, resulting in a strong the luminescence response. Under optimal experimental conditions, satisfactory selectivity and sensitivity were obtained by the dual recognition sensor achieved a wide linear range from 0.01 to 100 μM and a low detection limit of 0.0065 μM. Moreover, the designed sensor showed good reliability and practicability in the detection of small molecule DA in real biological samples.

Perspective and Prospects on persistent luminescent nanoparticles for biological imaging and tumor therapy.

Persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) are photoluminescent materials that can still emit luminescence after the cessation of the excitation light source. In recent years, due to their unique optical properties, the PLNPs have attracted extensive attention in the biomedical field. Since the PLNPs effectively eliminate autofluorescence interference from biological tissues, many researchers have contributed a lot of work in the fields of biological imaging and tumor therapy. This article mainly introduces the synthesis methods of the PLNPs and their progress in the application of biological imaging and tumor therapy, as well as the challenges and development prospects.

Near-Infrared Persistent Luminescence Nanoprobe for Early Detection of Atherosclerotic Plaque.

Atherosclerosis (AS) is a crucial contributor to various cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), which seriously threaten human life and health. Early and accurate recognition of AS plaques is essential for the prevention and treatment of CVD. Herein, we introduce an AS-targeting nanoprobe based on near-infrared (NIR) persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs), developing a highly sensitive NIR persistent luminescence (PersL) AS plaque imaging technique and successfully realizing early AS plaque detection. The nanoprobe exhibits good monodispersity and regular spherical morphology and also owns exceptional NIR PersL performance upon repetitive irradiation by biological window light. The surface-conjugated antibody (anti-osteopontin) endowed nanoprobe excellent targeting ability to foam cells within plaques. After intravenously injected nanoprobe into AS model mice, the highly sensitive PersL imaging technique can accurately detect AS plaques prior to ultrasonography (US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Specifically, the NIR PersL imaging reveals AS plaques at the earliest within 2 weeks, with higher signal-to-background ratio (SBR) up to 5.72. Based on this technique, the nanoprobe has great potential for applications in the prevention and treatment of CVD, the study of AS pathogenesis, and the screening of anti-AS drugs.

A colorimetric and phosphorescent dual-mode nanosensing platform for the sensitive detection of tobramycin in dairy products

Potential tobramycin (TOB) residues in dairy products have become a concern for food safety, and their accumulation in the food chain may cause great harm to human health. Therefore, in this study, a colorimetric and phosphorescent dual-mode aptamer-sensing platform was developed. The gold nanoparticle (AuNP)-based colorimetric assay is convenient and cost-effective and can be used for semi-quantitative detection by observation with the naked eye. Zn2GeO4:Mn2+ persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNPs) without autofluorescence luminescence characteristics and the inner filter effect with AuNPs were introduced to realize more sensitive detection of TOB. Compared to the colorimetric mode with a detection limit of 1.04 μg L−1, the phosphorescent mode with detection limit of 2.48 × 10−3 μg L−1 has higher selectivity and sensitivity for TOB in food samples. Thus, phosphorescent detection is more than three orders of magnitude more computationally sensitive than colorimetric assays. Additionally, this sensing platform was successfully applied to actual samples such as milk, yogurt, and cheese, with 94%–106% recovery rate. This study is expected to expand the application of PLNPs in food-sensing detection, providing a new strategy for the analytical detection of antibiotic residues in food.

Self-evolving persistent luminescence nanoprobes for autofluorescence-free ratiometric imaging and on-demand enhanced chemodynamic therapy of pulmonary metastatic tumors.

Precise imaging-guided therapy of a pulmonary metastasis tumor is of great significance for tumor management and prognosis. Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs) are promising probes due to their in situ excitation-free and low-background imaging characteristics. However, most of the PLNP-based probes cannot intelligently distinguish between normal and tumor tissues or balance the needs of targeted accumulation and rapid metabolism, resulting in false positive signals and potential side effects. Besides, the luminescence intensity of single-emissive PLNPs is affected by external factors. Herein, we report a self-evolving double-emissive PLNP-based nanoprobe ZGMC@ZGC-TAT for pulmonary metastatic tumor imaging and therapy. Acid-degradable green-emitting PLNPs (ZGMC) with good afterglow performance and therapeutic potential are synthesized by systematic optimization of dopants. Ultra-small red-emitting PLNPs (ZGC) are then prepared as imaging and reference probes. The two PLNPs are finally covalently coupled and further modified with a cell-penetrating peptide (TAT) to obtain ZGMC@ZGC-TAT. Dual emission ensures a stable luminescence ratio (I700/I537) independent of probe concentration, test voltage and time gate. ZGMC degrades and phosphorescence disappears in a tumor microenvironment (TME), resulting in an increase in I700/I537, thus enabling tumor-specific ratiometric imaging. Cu2+ and Mn2+ released by ZGMC degradation achieve GSH depletion and enhance CDT, effectively inhibiting tumor cell proliferation. Meanwhile, the size of ZGMC@ZGC-TAT decreases sharply, and the resulting ZGC-TAT further causes nuclear pyknosis and quickly clear metabolism. The developed ZGMC@ZGC-TAT turns non-targeted lung aggregation of nanomaterials into a unique advantage, and integrates TME-triggered phosphorescence and size self-evolution, and on-demand therapeutic functions, showing outstanding prospects in precise imaging and efficient treatment of pulmonary metastatic tumors.