Hierarchically Multifunctional Fiber-optic Theranostic Probe for Cancer Photothermal-photodynamic Synergism.
Small 2026 May 06; :e73678. [Online ahead of print]

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an FDA-approved cancer treatment, yet its clinical efficacy is compromised by limited light penetration and hypoxia. Herein, we proposed a multifunctional fiber-optic theranostic probe based on a spatially stratified functional multiplexing strategy: an inner sensing layer containing the oxygen-sensitive probe (Ru(dpp)), an outer therapeutic layer loaded with the photosensitizer (ICG), and a thermally-triggered oxygen generator (CaO2@LA). Crucially, this layered design leverages wavelength-dependent evanescent field properties to enable multi-wavelength activation while spatially separating the sensor from the photosensitizer, thereby preventing signal crosstalk. Functionally, the incorporation of CaO2@LA mitigates the hypoxia-induced restriction on PDT, while the PTT-PDT synergy achieves potent antitumor efficacy under mild hyperthermia, enhancing treatment safety. In vitro experiments demonstrated the probe's excellent dissolved oxygen (DO) sensing performance, featuring a high resolution of 0.12 mg/L, a rapid response time of 1 s, and efficient ROS generation. Subsequently, the probe demonstrated dual functionality in vivo within a murine model, allowing pointwise identification of intratumoral hypoxic heterogeneity through DO sensing, while achieving complete inhibition of tumor growth. This study provides a new paradigm for the functional integration and efficacy enhancement of fiber-optic theranostics for in situ oncology, holding significant potential to advance the clinical translation of fiber-mediated phototherapies.

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Authors+Show Affiliations

Li ZGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China. College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
Lan NGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China. College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
Zhang YMicroelectronics Thrust, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Guangzhou, Guangzhou, China.
Cao YSchool of Microelectronics, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China.
Jin FGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China. College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China. Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
Xu ZGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China. College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China. Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Affiliated Guangdong Second Provincial General Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
Long JGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China. College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
Li ZGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China. College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China. Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
Ran Y0000-0002-9170-7620Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China. College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.
Guan BOGuangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Optical Fiber Sensing and Communications, Institute of Photonics Technology, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China. College of Physics and Optoelectronic Engineering, Jinan University, Guangzhou, China.

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article

Language

eng

PubMed ID

42087816