Evaluation of Y2O3:Eu@SiO2 Nanoparticles as Photosensitizer for X- Ray Activated Photodynamic Therapy in Cancer
Session Number
Project ID: MEDH 24
Advisor(s)
Chin-Tu Chen, University of Chicago, Department of Radiology
Hannah Zhang, University of Chicago, Department of Radiology
Discipline
Medical and Health Sciences
Start Date
17-4-2024 8:55 AM
End Date
17-4-2024 9:10 AM
Abstract
We are developing an innovative nanoparticle-based photosensitizer aimed at enhancing photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer, addressing key challenges such as low light penetration and oxygen deficit in tumors. We synthesized a new photosensitizer, Y2O3:Eu@SiO2, featuring a europium-doped yttrium oxide core within a silica shell, and assessed its properties and functionality through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dihydroethidium (DHE) assays. Our evaluation focused on the nanoparticles' ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their impact on tumor growth, particularly in CAOV3 human ovarian cancer xenografts, using 18F-fluorothymidine positron emission tomography (18F-FLT PET). Findings highlighted a correlation between synthesis conditions—specifically incubation time and urea concentration—and the nanoparticle's size and capabilities of dispersing. We noted that adding cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) during synthesis improved particle distribution, subsequently enhancing ROS generation. Our in vivo experiments in mice with intra-tumorally injected nanoparticles and radiation therapy of 2 Gy/day for 4 days demonstrated that Y2O3:Eu@SiO2 significantly limited tumor growth compared to the controls, emphasizing the nanoparticles' potential in targeting cancer cells more effectively. Our research shows the promise of Y2O3:Eu@SiO2 nanoparticles in overcoming conventional PDT limitations, offering a new direction in cancer treatment strategies.
Evaluation of Y2O3:Eu@SiO2 Nanoparticles as Photosensitizer for X- Ray Activated Photodynamic Therapy in Cancer
We are developing an innovative nanoparticle-based photosensitizer aimed at enhancing photodynamic therapy (PDT) for cancer, addressing key challenges such as low light penetration and oxygen deficit in tumors. We synthesized a new photosensitizer, Y2O3:Eu@SiO2, featuring a europium-doped yttrium oxide core within a silica shell, and assessed its properties and functionality through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and dihydroethidium (DHE) assays. Our evaluation focused on the nanoparticles' ability to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and their impact on tumor growth, particularly in CAOV3 human ovarian cancer xenografts, using 18F-fluorothymidine positron emission tomography (18F-FLT PET). Findings highlighted a correlation between synthesis conditions—specifically incubation time and urea concentration—and the nanoparticle's size and capabilities of dispersing. We noted that adding cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) during synthesis improved particle distribution, subsequently enhancing ROS generation. Our in vivo experiments in mice with intra-tumorally injected nanoparticles and radiation therapy of 2 Gy/day for 4 days demonstrated that Y2O3:Eu@SiO2 significantly limited tumor growth compared to the controls, emphasizing the nanoparticles' potential in targeting cancer cells more effectively. Our research shows the promise of Y2O3:Eu@SiO2 nanoparticles in overcoming conventional PDT limitations, offering a new direction in cancer treatment strategies.