Dual NIR-I excitation and emission-based thermometry and pH-responsive drug delivery using NaYF₄:Yb,Er@SiO₂-folic acid conjugates.

ABSTRACT: The development of multifunctional host materials capable of simultaneous diagnostics and therapy holds significant promise for biomedical applications. Here, we report the synthesis of NaYF₄:Yb,Er particles with cuboidal morphology, designed for optical temperature sensing. To enable controlled drug release, the hydrophobic particles were coated with a mesoporous silica layer to enhance biocompatibility and facilitate dispersion in aqueous solutions and also allowed loading the hybrid material with drug molecules. Surface functionalization with folic acid (FA) further enhanced their potential for targeted delivery applications. Doxorubicin, a chemotherapeutic agent, was successfully loaded into the mesoporous silica shell, allowing for pH-sensitive drug release. Ratiometric upc

SUBMITTER: Mohanty S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12822662 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature