Scientists from the International Research Institute of Intellectual Materials of SFedU have created unique nanoparticles based on europium-doped calcium fluoride (CaF₂:Eu), which could revolutionize the treatment of oncological diseases. These particles have an amazing property: when irradiated with X-rays, they emit light in the visible range, which opens up new possibilities for photodynamic therapy (PDT).
PDT is a method in which photosensitizers, under the influence of light, generate reactive oxygen species that destroy cancer cells. However, ordinary light does not penetrate deep into tissues, which limits the use of PDT to only superficial tumors. The new nanoparticles solve this problem by converting X-ray radiation into visible light directly inside the body.
Different photosensitizers are activated by different light, which reveals a significant disadvantage of this method – the difficulty in selecting a suitable X-ray phosphor. In this case, the material we are studying has additional radiation of a different wavelength, which significantly increases its working range. We can say that this is a combined approach and the ability, depending on the synthesis conditions, to adjust the phosphor to a wide range of photosensitizers that are available for use or purchase at the moment.
CaF₂:Eu nanoparticles can glow blue or orange depending on the oxidation state of europium (Eu²⁺ or Eu³⁺). This allows you to select the wavelength for specific photosensitizers, making the therapy more personalized.
By changing the reaction conditions, it is possible to influence the conditions for the formation of defects, which, in turn, affects the ratio of Eu²⁺ : Eu³⁺ in the material, allowing the creation of particles suitable for specific medical tasks. For example, during ultrasonic synthesis, interstitial fluorine ions are formed in the structure of nanoparticles, which affect their luminescence and make the material more effective.
Although the technology still requires preclinical and clinical trials, its potential is enormous. According to scientists, the next step in the project will be to obtain a patent for the method of creating phosphors with an adjustable emission wavelength for various photosensitizers. In addition, the possibility of using this material in radiography is being studied.
The research results are presented in the scientific journal «Journal of Luminescence». The study was conducted within the framework of the federal program «Priority-2030» and the national project «Youth and Children».
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