Synthesis of Mesoporous Polydopamine-Coated Upconversion Nanoparticles for Dual-Enhanced Photodynamic and Photothermal Cancer Therapy.

Background: Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is a common cancer treatment strategy that combines the use of light, a photosensitizer, and oxygen to precisely generate reactive oxygen species (ROS). However, the efficacy of this method is limited by the shallow tissue penetration of the short-wavelength lasers involved, and combination therapy with other treatments such as photothermal therapy (PTT) or radiation therapy requires additional lasers or instruments. A new dual therapy approach using a single laser could minimize the treatment procedure.