Cytotoxicity of UCNPs with different coatings. Overview

Abstract

Last two decades, the attention of scientists has been attended to the upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) and the prospects of their biomedical application. However, despite strong interest in UCNPs, their biocompatibility has not been properly investigated and the existed data are contradictory.
According to the literature, UCNPs are mostly characterized by dose- and time-dependent cytotoxicity [1-3] which can be neutralized by the application of stabilizers [4-6]. Silica and Poly(acrylic acid) are the most widely used chemical agents for the coating of UCNPs characterized by low cytotoxicity [5-8]. Moreover, silica-coated UCNPs can be functionalized with different ligands, such as folic acid [4, 9], antibodies, etc. Sodium dodecyl sulfate-[10], 2-aminoethyl dihydrogen phosphate-[1], and gelatin-coated [11] UCNPs also do not cause a significant decrease in cell viability however, they are not broadly used. The application of polyallylamine, in contrast, leads to decrease cell viability in comparison with bare UCNPs [8, 12].
Another possible way to decrease UCNP's cytotoxicity is their capsulation into the different carriers, such as vaterite particles, and based on its core-shells and polyelectrolytes capsules.
Encapsulation of metal nanoparticles has proven to be superior to single particles by exploiting the synergistic effect of particles and amplifying light through multiparticle reflection when irradiated [13, 14]. It has previously been shown that the formation of hollow or core-shell microcapsules helps to remotely control the permeability of the shells [15]. Encapsulation of the upconversion of nanoparticles (UCNPs) into mineral carriers will make it possible to implement the principle of photodynamic therapy using remote physical stimulation with high efficiency. In contrast to the most common form for localizing nanoparticles- silica particles-, mineral submicron porous carbonate cores of vaterite have an advantage, namely, leaching of the environment over time, which is force for biochemical reactions, as well as leads to the death of cancer cells, not affecting healthy cells [16, 17].

The study was supported by a grant Russian Science Foundation No. 21-72-10057, https://rscf.ru/project/21-72-10057/.

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Yanina I. Yu
Saratov State University, Tomsk State University
Russia

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