Mesoporous Silica Shell Research Articles

Nanozymes featuring a mesoporous silica shell for rapid enrichment and ultrasensitive lateral flow immunoassay of influenza A

BackgroundRespiratory illnesses stemming from influenza A viruses represent a significant worldwide health concern. There is an immediate need for a rapid and sensitive method to detect influenza A viruses early, without requiring extra equipment. ResultsHere, we established a lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for the detection of influenza A (Flu A) using a "three-in-one" multifunctional mesoporous Fe3O4@SiO2@Pt nanozymes (Fe3O4@MSiO2@Pt NZs) with excellent magnetic separation properties, colorimetric, and peroxidase-like (POD-like) activities. Effective enrichment of target Flu A in complex samples as well as greater loading of Pt particles by mesoporous structures with large specific surface area to enhance POD-like activity can significantly improve the detection sensitivity of the LFIA. After colorimetric amplification by Fe3O4@MSiO2@Pt tags catalysis, the qualitative and quantitative results of detection for Flu A nucleoprotein (Flu A-NP) were 0.01 and 0.0089 ng mL−1, respectively. This indicated a sensitivity approximately 100 times greater than commercially available colloidal Au nanoparticle (AuNP)-based LFIA strips. For detection of inactivated H1N1 virus, quantification can be as low as 33 copies mL−1. Moreover, it demonstrated high accuracy in pharyngeal swab sample simulation experiments. SignificanceTherefore, the proposed platform based on Fe3O4@MSiO2@Pt NZs-LFIA offered a promising approach for point-of-care testing (POCT), enabling rapid and ultrasensitive diagnosis of Flu A.

Mesoporous silica nanostructures embedding NIR active plasmonic nanoparticles: Harnessing antimicrobial agents delivery system for photo-assisted eradicating Gram-positive bacteria

Implant-associated bone infection is increasingly emerging as a serious threat due to the high demand for orthopedic implants in our ageing society. Bacteria adhering to the surface of implants are highly resistant to conventional antibiotics and increasingly difficult to kill. In the quest for new antimicrobial strategies, multifunctional antimicrobial nanosystems offer new promise in the treatment of such infections. Herein, the development of mesoporous silica-coated plasmonic nanostructures for the delivery of antimicrobial drug for light-assisted therapy for bone infections is reported. Core@shell structures featuring Cu2-xS facet triangular nanoplates (NPL) core and a mesoporous silica shell (Cu2-xS@MSS) were synthesized. Further loading with antimicrobial molecules, such as levofloxacin (Levo) o rifampicin (Rif), allowed to synergistically combine the Cu2-xS NPL inherent antibacterial photoactivity with the pharmacological effects of the drug. The silica-based nanostructures, synthesized using a microemulsion approach, were thoroughly characterized, and their antibacterial activity explored in terms of inhibition of bacteria growth against Staphylococcus aureus. These results outline future applications of these nanoformulations for the management of bone implant-associated bacterial infections.

Fabrication of Mesoporous SiO<sub>2</sub> Shells for Dye Adsorption Studies

The present work focuses on the fabrication of novel hybrid materials for toxic dye removal from an aqueous environment. Nanocarbon template (20-30 nm) was coated with tri-ethyl-orthosilicate (TEOS). The core-shell structure developed was further air pyrolyzed at 600 °C to produce mesoporous silica shells. The pore structures and characteristics of the material were evaluated using XRD, nitrogen adsorption studies, SEM, and TEM. Owing to the hierarchical porosity in range of 1-4 nm and 10-20 nm their adsorption studies were investigated for Phenol-Red. Dye adsorption studies performed revealed 98% removal efficiency with only 20 mg of adsorbent dose within 15 minutes.

Motor-Cargo Structured Nanotractors for Augmented NIR Phototherapy via Gas-Boosted Tumor Penetration and Respiration-Impaired Mitochondrial Dysfunction.

Tumor microenvironment, characterized by dense extracellular matrix and severe hypoxia, has caused pronounced resistance to photodynamic therapy (PDT). Herein, it has designed an artificial nitric oxide (NO) nanotractor with a unique "motor-cargo" structure, where a photoswitching upconversion nanoparticle (UCNP) core serves as the optical engine to harvest NIR light and asymmetrically coated mesoporous silica (SiO2) shell acts as a cargo unit to load nitric oxide (NO) fuel molecule (RBS, Roussin's black salt) and PDT photosensitizer (ZnPc, zinc phthalocyanine). Upon illumination by 980nm light, the UCNP emits blue light to excite RBS salt and release NO gas. On one hand, NO is used as the driving force to propel the particle with a high speed of ≈194µms-1 that generates significant rupture stress (over 0.95kPa) on cell membrane to promote cellular endocytosis and intratumoral penetration. On the other hand, NO enables to alleviate tumor hypoxia by inhibiting cellular respiration as an oxygen conserver. When the excitation is subsequently switched to 808nm light, the UCNP emits red light, triggering ZnPc to produce large amount of reactive oxygen species for PDT treatment. This study explores Janus-typed nanostructures for cell-particle interaction and gas-assisted phototherapy, opening avenues for versatile bioapplications.

Controlled Etching of Gold Nanorods Within Mesoporous Silica Shells at Mild Conditions

AbstractSurface plasmon resonance of precious metal gold nanorods can be tuned by controlling the aspect ratio, and they find widespread applications in biotechnology, imaging, sensing, optoelectronics, photonics, and catalysis. Here, a method is proposed for the controlled etching of gold nanorods within mesoporous silica shells by using a certain concentration of H2O2 at room temperature. In the experiments, the amount of HCl is varied to adjust the acidity and/or change the amount of H2O2 to control the speed of corrosion, achieving controllable adjustment of the aspect ratio of the gold nanorods. The extinction spectra show that under the action of H2O2 and HCl, the longitudinal plasmonic resonance of the gold nanorods shifted to shorter wavelengths, and the intensity of the longitudinal plasmonic resonance decreased. The more hydrochloric acid or hydrogen peroxide added, the faster the corrosion rate of the gold nanorods, and the faster the blue shift of the longitudinal plasmonic resonance. In addition, the intensity of the extinction spectra at 320 nm increased linearly versus time, which can also be used to monitor the etching process. By corroding gold nanorods to control the plasmonic resonances, gold nanorods can find broader applications.

Design dual confinement Ni@S-1@SiO2 catalyst with enhanced carbon resistance for methane dry reforming

Methane dry reforming is a key method for converting greenhouse gases into valuable syngas, providing a pathway for the sustainable production of valuable compounds. Yet the challenges like particle sintering and carbon deposition have hindered the widespread application of nickel-based catalysts. This study explores innovative strategies to overcome these challenges by using zeolite supports to enhance nickel dispersity and prevent carbon deposition, as well as adopting core-shell structures to prevent metal sintering and carbon deposition. In pursuit of enhancing methane dry reforming efficacy, a Ni@S-1@SiO2 dual-shell nickel-based catalyst is designed in this study to confine exposed nickel particles on the S-1 surface within a robust mesoporous silica shell, reducing nickel particle mobility and preventing active site oxidation, thereby increasing resistance to sintering and carbon deposition. Compared to conventional single-core-shell catalysts, this design significantly reduces nickel particle mobility and active site oxidation, enhancing resistance to sintering and coking. It showed virtually no carbon deposition even after a rigorous 25-h reaction at 650 °C. In-situ DRIFTS analyses provided further insights into the underlying mechanism, confirming a Langmuir-Hinshelwood mechanism and highlighting the beneficial role of formates in preventing coke deposition. This study not only advances the understanding of core-shell catalyst structures but also paves the way for optimized nickel-based catalysts in methane dry reforming, promoting a sustainable future for syngas production.

Upconverting Nanoparticle-based Enhanced Luminescence Lateral-Flow Assay for Urinary Biomarker Monitoring.

Development of efficient portable sensors for accurately detecting biomarkers is crucial for early disease diagnosis, yet remains a significant challenge. To address this need, we introduce the enhanced luminescence lateral-flow assay, which leverages highly luminescent upconverting nanoparticles (UCNPs) alongside a portable reader and a smartphone app. The sensor's efficiency and versatility were shown for kidney health monitoring as a proof of concept. We engineered Er3+- and Tm3+-doped UCNPs coated with multiple layers, including an undoped inert matrix shell, a mesoporous silica shell, and an outer layer of gold (UCNP@mSiO2@Au). These coatings synergistically enhance emission by over 40-fold and facilitate biomolecule conjugation, rendering UCNP@mSiO2@Au easy to use and suitable for a broad range of bioapplications. Employing these optimized nanoparticles in lateral-flow assays, we successfully detected two acute kidney injury-related biomarkers─kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL)─in urine samples. Using our sensor platform, KIM-1 and NGAL can be accurately detected and quantified within the range of 0.1 to 20 ng/mL, boasting impressively low limits of detection at 0.28 and 0.23 ng/mL, respectively. Validating our approach, we analyzed clinical urine samples, achieving biomarker concentrations that closely correlated with results obtained via ELISA. Importantly, our system enables biomarker quantification in less than 15 min, underscoring the performance of our novel UCNP-based approach and its potential as reliable, rapid, and user-friendly diagnostics.

Unveiling the sequential CO2/CH4 activation process on Co3O4 nanoparticles encapsulated by mesoporous silica shell

The sequential activation of CO2 and CH4 on metal oxides enables the formation of various oxygenated compounds, i.e., CH3COOH, CH3OH, CH3CHO, and CH3COCH3. This study focuses on elucidating the activation processes on Co3O4 nanoparticles encapsulated by mesoporous silica shell (nCo3O4@mSiO2). Comprehensive characterization techniques are employed to unveil the activation processes, with optimizing activation conditions to maximize product yield. In sole activation experiments, CO2 is absorbed on the metal oxide, forming a carbonate structure that desorbs reversibly depending on temperature. Additionally, nCo3O4@mSiO2 activates CH4 through C–H bond cleavage, stabilizing as Co–CH3* species with O–H* species on the oxide framework. Sequential activation processes using nCo3O4@mSiO2 result in carboxylative or carbonylative coupling of CO2 or CO released from the metal carbonate surface with CH4, yielding CH3COOH or CH3CHO, respectively. CH3OH production is achievable by altering the activation sequence. Post-extraction enables collection of adsorbed oxygenated products, allowing for nCo3O4@mSiO2 reuse without altering product yield.

Enhanced antibacterial activity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes loaded with hot-melt extruded Mulberry leaf silver nanoparticles

We suggest an antibacterial nanoplatform composed of multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNTs) coated with mesoporous silica decorated with silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) via an N-[3-(trimethoxysilyl)propyl]ethylenediamine (TSD)-mediated method. In this system, the external mesoporous silica shell enhances the dispersion of MWCNTs to increase their contact area with bacterial cell walls. Meanwhile, the multiple mesoporous voids in the silica layer serve as a microreactor for on-site synthesis of small-sized and uniformly distributed AgNPs, thereby enhancing the antibacterial activity. Mulberry leaf (ML) extract was used to reduce Ag ions. In this process, hot melt extrusion (HME) was applied to increase the active ingredients of the ML extract. To prevent loss of ML components due to the heat and pressure applied during HME treatment, several excipients, including whey protein isolate, were mixed, and added. Compared with ML AgNPs and mesoporous silica-coated MWCNTs decorated with AgNPs (MWCNT-Ag), the MWCNT-Ag@ML (MWCNT-ML) exhibited stronger antibacterial against Escherichia coli (E. coli), Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus), and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Therefore, this nano platform is a potential antibacterial agent and therapeutic agent for drug-resistant infections.

Water-dispersable photoreactors based on core–shell mesoporous silica particles

Robust solid-core silica particles with submicrometer size and anthracene-containing mesoporous shell were obtained and studied as model water-dispersable photoreactors. An anthracene derivative containing a triethoxysilyl group was synthesized and co-condensed with tetraethoxysilane in various ratios to form a photoactive mesoporous shell with a thickness up to approximately 80 nm on previously prepared solid silica particles. Mesopores of as-synthesized particles, without a commonly applied removal of the micellar templates, offered a confined space for solubilization of hydrophobic molecules. Efficient excitation energy transfer from anthracene chromophores to both hydrophobic (perylene) and hydrophilic (fluoresceine) encapsulated acceptors was observed in an aqueous dispersion of the particles. Photosensitized oxidation of encapsulated perylene was shown to proceed efficiently in such systems serving as water-dispersable photoreactors. Importantly, the designed core–shell systems were found to be stable for a long time (at least 24 months) and robust enough, thanks to the presence of solid cores, to be handled by centrifugation in aqueous dispersions. All these features make them promising candidates for reusable systems for the photosensitized degradation of water pollutants, especially hydrophobic pollutants.

Fabrication of Rhenium Disulfide/Mesoporous Silica Core-Shell Nanoparticles for a pH-Responsive Drug Release and Combined Chemo-Photothermal Therapy.

A stimuli-responsive drug delivery nanocarrier with a core-shell structure combining photothermal therapy and chemotherapy for killing cancer cells was constructed in this study. The multifunctional nanocarrier ReS2@mSiO2-RhB entails an ReS2 hierarchical nanosphere coated with a fluorescent mesoporous silica shell. The three-dimensional hierarchical ReS2 nanostructure is capable of effectively absorbing near-infrared (NIR) light and converting it into heat. These ReS2 nanospheres were generated by a hydrothermal synthesis process leading to the self-assembly of few-layered ReS2 nanosheets. The mesoporous silica shell was further coated on the surface of the ReS2 nanospheres through a surfactant-templating sol-gel approach to provide accessible mesopores for drug uploading. A fluorescent dye (Rhodamine B) was covalently attached to silica precursors and incorporated during synthesis in the mesoporous silica walls toward conferring imaging capability to the nanocarrier. Doxorubicin (DOX), a known cancer drug, was used in a proof-of-concept study to assess the material's ability to function as a drug delivery carrier. While the silica pores are not capped, the drug molecule loading and release take advantage of the pH-governed electrostatic interactions between the drug and silica wall. The ReS2@mSiO2-RhB enabled a drug loading content as high as 19.83 mg/g doxorubicin. The ReS2@mSiO2-RhB-DOX nanocarrier's cumulative drug release rate at pH values that simulate physiological conditions showed significant pH responsiveness, reaching 59.8% at pH 6.8 and 98.5% and pH 5.5. The in vitro testing using HeLa cervical cancer cells proved that ReS2@mSiO2-RhB-DOX has a strong cancer eradication ability upon irradiation with an NIR laser owing to the combined drug delivery and photothermal effect. The results highlight the potential of ReS2@mSiO2-RhB nanoparticles for combined cancer therapy in the future.

Hollow Bismuth-Based Nanoreactor with Ultrathin Disordered Mesoporous Silica Shell for Superior Radioactive Iodine Decontamination

Hollow Bismuth-Based Nanoreactor with Ultrathin Disordered Mesoporous Silica Shell for Superior Radioactive Iodine Decontamination

GSH-responsive degradable nanodrug for glucose metabolism intervention and induction of ferroptosis to enhance magnetothermal anti-tumor therapy

The challenges associated with activating ferroptosis for cancer therapy primarily arise from obstacles related to redox and iron homeostasis, which hinder the susceptibility of tumor cells to ferroptosis. However, the specific mechanisms of ferroptosis resistance, especially those intertwined with abnormal metabolic processes within tumor cells, have been consistently underestimated. In response, we present an innovative glutathione-responsive magnetocaloric therapy nanodrug termed LFMP. LFMP consists of lonidamine (LND) loaded into PEG-modified magnetic nanoparticles with a Fe3O4 core and coated with disulfide bonds-bridged mesoporous silica shells. This nanodrug is designed to induce an accelerated ferroptosis-activating state in tumor cells by disrupting homeostasis. Under the dual effects of alternating magnetic fields and high concentrations of glutathione in the tumor microenvironment, LFMP undergoes disintegration, releasing drugs. LND intervenes in cell metabolism by inhibiting glycolysis, ultimately enhancing iron death and leading to synthetic glutathione consumption. The disulfide bonds play a pivotal role in disrupting intracellular redox homeostasis by depleting glutathione and inactivating glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), synergizing with LND to enhance the sensitivity of tumor cells to ferroptosis. This process intensifies oxidative stress, further impairing redox homeostasis. Furthermore, LFMP exacerbates mitochondrial dysfunction, triggering ROS formation and lactate buildup in cancer cells, resulting in increased acidity and subsequent tumor cell death. Importantly, LFMP significantly suppresses tumor cell proliferation with minimal side effects both in vitro and in vivo, exhibiting satisfactory T2-weighted MR imaging properties. In conclusion, this magnetic hyperthermia-based nanomedicine strategy presents a promising and innovative approach for antitumor therapy.Graphical

Red blood cell membrane-camouflaged gold-core silica shell nanorods for cancer drug delivery and photothermal therapy

Gold core mesoporous silica shell (AuMSS) nanorods are multifunctional nanomedicines that can act simultaneously as photothermal, drug delivery, and bioimaging agents. Nevertheless, it is reported that once administrated, nanoparticles can be coated with blood proteins, forming a protein corona, that directly impacts on nanomedicines’ circulation time, biodistribution, and therapeutic performance. Therefore, it become crucial to develop novel alternatives to improve nanoparticles’ half-life in the bloodstream. In this work, Polyethylenimine (PEI) and Red blood cells (RBC)-derived membranes were combined for the first time to functionalize AuMSS nanorods and simultaneously load acridine orange (AO). The obtained results revealed that the RBC-derived membranes promoted the neutralization of the AuMSS’ surface charge and consequently improved the colloidal stability and biocompatibility of the nanocarriers. Indeed, the in vitro data revealed that PEI/RBC-derived membranes’ functionalization also improved the nanoparticles’ cellular internalization and was capable of mitigating the hemolytic effects of AuMSS and AuMSS/PEI nanorods. In turn, the combinatorial chemo-photothermal therapy mediated by AuMSS/PEI/RBC_AO nanorods was able to completely eliminate HeLa cells, contrasting with the less efficient standalone therapies. Such data reinforce the potential of AuMSS nanomaterials to act simultaneously as photothermal and chemotherapeutic agents.

Superparamagnetic Core–Mesoporous Silica Shell Nanoparticles with Tunable Extra- and Intracellular Dissolution Rates

Superparamagnetic Core–Mesoporous Silica Shell Nanoparticles with Tunable Extra- and Intracellular Dissolution Rates

In-situ adsorption and detoxification of chemical warfare agent simulants by biocompatible Zr-MOFs immobilized ionic liquids composites: Mechanisms, degradation pathways and DFT calculations

Detoxicating materials of chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and their simulants play a critical role in reducing pollution contamination and environmental renovation. In this work, we present a simple strategy to prepare a core–shell structure Fe3O4/UiO-66-NH2/ILs@mSiO2 using hydrogen bonding association and electrostatic forces. We performed disinfection studies on dimethyl 4-nitrophenyl phosphate (DMNP) and 2-chloroethyl ethyl sulfide (2-CEES). The synergistic effects of catalytic activations for CWAs, which reduce the electron transport distance and lower the reaction energy barrier, lead to an increase in hydrolysis and Fenton-like reactions efficiency. Eliminationing tests of DMNP and 2-CEES showed that the half-lives of the degradation reactions were 128.36 and 1.12 min, respectively, and the degradation efficiency did not decrease significantly after 4 cycles. This new type of structure could be magnetically separated within 60 s to facilitate material recovery and reuse. Moreover, the presence of a mesoporous silica shell made the catalyst particles to become biocompatible and environmentally friendly. The degradation pathways of the intermediates were revealed based on nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy (NMR), gaschromatography-mass spectrometry (GC–MS) and density functional theory (DFT) calculations. The effective combination of catalysts provided a facile strategy for developing multi-effect synergistic catalysts for the elimination of CWAs and other pollutants.

Dressing and undressing MOF nanophotosensitizers to manipulate phototoxicity for precise therapy of tumors

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a clinically approved treatment for tumors, and it relies on the phototoxicity of photosensitizers by producing reactive oxygen species (ROS) to destroy cancer cells under light irradiation. However, such phototoxicity is a double-edged sword, which is also harmful to normal tissues. To manipulate phototoxicity and improve the therapy effect, herein we have proposed a dressing-undressing strategy for de-activating and re-activating therapy functions of photosensitizer nanoparticles. One kind of metal organic framework (PCN-224), which is composed of Zr(IV) cation and tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP), has been prepared as a model of photosensitizer, and it has size of ∼70 nm. These PCN-224 nanoparticles are subsequently coated with a mesoporous organic silica (MOS) shell containing tetrasulfide bonds (-S-S-S-S-), realizing the dressing of PCN-224. MOS shell has the thickness of ∼20 nm and thus can block 1O2 (diffusion distance: <10 nm), deactivating the phototoxicity and preventing the damage to skin and eyes. Furthermore, PCN-224@MOS can be used to load chemotherapy drug (DOX·HCl). When PCN-224@MOS-DOX are mixed with glutathione (GSH), MOS shell with -S-S-S-S- bonds can be reduced by GSH and then be decomposed, which results in the undressing and then confers the exposure of PCN-224 with good PDT function as well as the release of DOX. When PCN-224@MOS-DOX dispersion is injected into the mice and accumulated in the tumor, endogenous GSH also confers the undressing of PCN-224@MOS-DOX, realizing the in-situ activation of PDT and chemotherapy for tumor. Therefore, the present study not only demonstrates a general dressing-undressing strategy for manipulating phototoxicity of photosensitizers, but also provide some insights for precise therapy of tumors without side-effects. Statement of significancePhotosensitizers can generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) under light radiation to destroy cancer cells. However, this phototoxicity is a double-edged sword and also harmful to normal tissues such as the skin and eyes. To control phototoxicity and improve therapeutic efficacy, we prepared a PCN-224@MOS-DOX nanoplatform and proposed a dressing and undressing strategy to deactivate and reactivate the therapeutic function of the photosensitizer nanoparticles. The MOS shell can block the diffusion of 1O2, eliminate phototoxicity, and prevent damage to the skin and eyes. When injected into mice and accumulated in tumors, PCN-224@MOS-DOX dispersions are endowed with an endogenous GSH-driven undressing effect, achieving in situ activation of PDT and tumor chemotherapy.

Electrophoretic deposition of photothermal responsive antibacterial coatings on titanium with controlled release of silver ions

Burst release of antibacterial agents generated by the surface antibacterial modification of Ti implants frequently results in a reduction in their biocompatibility and substantial toxic side effects. In this study, core-shelled nanoparticles namely AgNR@MSN, were synthesized successfully by mesoporous silica shell in-situ encapsulated Ag nanorods, and then co-deposited with chitosan to form a AgNR@MSN-chitosan composite coating on Ti substrate by electrophoretic deposition. The developed composite coating, due to the presence of AgNR, presented excellent photothermal effect under the irradiation of an 808 nm near-infrared laser, leading to both rapid increase of local temperature and triggered release of Ag ions for bacterial-killing effect against both E. coli and S. aureus. The addition of AgNR@MSN also improved the wettability of the coating and the MSN shell with mesoporous tunnels could barrier the contact and release rate of Ag to improve the biocompatibility. The developed photothermal responsive coating could be considered as a promising platform for achieving controlled release of Ag ions with outstanding antibacterial and biocompatible properties.

Tailoring the pore structure of iron oxide core@stellate mesoporous silica shell nanocomposites: effects on MRI and magnetic hyperthermia properties and applicability to anti-cancer therapies.

Core-shell nanocomposites made of iron oxide core (IO NPs) coated with mesoporous silica (MS) shells are promising theranostic agents. While the core is being used as an efficient heating nanoagent under alternating magnetic field (AMF) and near infra-red (NIR) light and as a suitable contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), the MS shell is particularly relevant to ensure colloidal stability in a biological buffer and to transport a variety of therapeutics. However, a major challenge with such inorganic nanostructures is the design of adjustable silica structures, especially with tunable large pores which would be useful, for instance, for the delivery of large therapeutic biomolecule loading and further sustained release. Furthermore, the effect of tailoring a porous silica structure on the magneto- or photothermal dissipation still remains poorly investigated. In this work, we undertake an in-depth investigation of the growth of stellate mesoporous silica (STMS) shells around IO NPs cores and of their micro/mesoporous features respectively through time-lapse and in situ liquid phase transmission electron microscopy (LPTEM) and detailed nitrogen isotherm adsorption studies. We found here that the STMS shell features (thickness, pore size, surface area) can be finely tuned by simply controlling the sol-gel reaction time, affording a novel range of IO@STMS core@shell NPs. Finally, regarding the responses under alternating magnetic fields and NIR light which are evaluated as a function of the silica structure, IO@STMS NPs having a tunable silica shell structure are shown to be efficient as T2-weighted MRI agents and as heating agents for magneto- and photoinduced hyperthermia. Furthermore, such IO@STMS are found to display anti-cancer effects in pancreatic cancer cells under magnetic fields (both alternating and rotating).

New heater@luminescent thermometer nano-objects: Prussian blue core@silica shell loaded with a β-diketonate Tb3+/Eu3+ complex

New multifunctional Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles coated by a mesoporous silica shell and loaded with a luminescent [(Tb/Eu)9(acac)16(μ3-OH)8(μ4-O)(μ4-OH)]·H2O complex behave as photothermal nano-heaters and luminescent thermometers.