In Vivo Toxicity of Upconversion Nanoparticles. Overview. Part II

Irina Yanina; Vyacheslav I. Kochubey

doi:10.18287/JBPE26.12.030202

Authors

Irina Yanina Saratov State University https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6814-556X
Vyacheslav I. Kochubey Saratov State University https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7834-9067

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18287/JBPE26.12.030202

Keywords:

phototoxicity, upconversion nanoparticles, dose, photodynamic therapy

Abstract

This is the second section of review synthesizes current research on the in vivo toxicity of upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) for biomedical applications, including photoinduced drug delivery, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and multimodal therapies. The aim is to assess the safety of UCNPs under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation and in combination with photosensitizers, chemotherapeutics, and other therapeutic modalities. Analysis of numerous in vivo studies in mouse and rat models demonstrates that UCNPs exhibit low dark toxicity and targeted phototoxicity, with no significant damage to major organs (heart, liver, spleen, lungs, kidneys) at therapeutic doses. For mice, safe doses are 10 mg/kg for short-term exposure (48 h and for long-term exposure 40 days). Surface coatings (PEG, silica, MVEMA, cell membranes) enhance biocompatibility and reduce off-target effects. Multimodal UCNP platforms (PDT combined with chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, chemodynamic therapy, immunotherapy, or radiotherapy) demonstrate effective tumor suppression without substantial systemic toxicity. These findings support the continued development of UCNPs as safe and effective theranostic agents for precision oncology.

Author Biography

Irina Yanina, Saratov State University

Field of scientific activities
Optics of biological tissues, biomedical optics, optical control parameters of biological tissues, the study of transport of drugs in biological tissues, spectroscopy and imaging in biomedicine, physics, optical and laser measurements; optical coherency and multiphotontomography;fluorescence; nanobiophotonics.
Publications
Author and co-author of 70 publications in peer-reviewed and scientific journals, conference proceedings and patent application; 60 presentations at major international conferences and workshops (oral and poster).

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