Nanoparticles of oxides doped with rare earth ions for theranostics applications

Marek Godlewski, Jarosław Kaszewski, Julita Rosowska

Institute of Physics, P.A.S.

Paula Kiełbik, Michał M. Godlewski

Department of Physiological Sciences, Warsaw University of Life Sciences  

Relatively large nanoparticles (NPs,  approx. 100 nm of size) of wide band gap oxides (ZnO, ZrO2, Y2O3, TiO2 and HfO2) activated with rare earth ions were successfully applied by us for early detection of cancer. Regarding safety aspects, ZnO and ZrO2 were favored by us for further studies, due to bio-safety of these materials. These NPs were first used as fluorescence markers (FMs), then as contrast agents for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The performed studies proved high selectivity of NPs distribution in the body. An effective trafficking of FMs to the areas of lung cancer was observed, whereas surrounding tissue was impermeable for NPs. Recently two new possibilities were demonstrated, allowing use of NPs for cancer therapy. NPs of ZnO were used as transporting agent, transporting a given medicine directly to the area of tumor. Moreover, the same NPs can be used for cancer photodynamic therapy (PDT).