In this research, NIR PLNs are functionalized for drug-carrying capabilities.

Figure 1. 
A scheme of AFT-PLN@MAp as a targeting anticancer nanoplatform. A potential strategy of AFT-PLN@MAp is provided for diagnostic and therapeutic treatment of metastasis in lung cancer. Current therapeutic methods intending to cure the metastasis of tumor cells have major issues. This nanoplatform can be used with a MAp to target specific aptamers; PLNs are actively transported to tumor cells. PLNs embedded with AFT target drugs can effectively treat tumor cells, limiting cancer cell metastasis.

Technology Overview
After optimizing their physical and chemical properties, the NIR PLNs are able to absorb light energy and emit NIR luminescence for several hours.To minimize side effects and increase drug accumulation, nanomaterials with targeting abilities are used instead of simple drugs to inhibit the growth of tumor cells. Thus, the specific targeting aptamer, MAGE-A3 (MAp) is identified, and the PLN to increase its targeting ability (AFT-PLN@MAp) accordingly modified.

Applications & Benefits
We hope to contribute safe and multifunctional nanoparticles that can be used to improve the prognosis of lung cancer metastasis. This nanoparticle-assisted diagnostic and therapeutic strategy is a significant potential treatement method for lung cancer metastasis. The current diagnostic method does not easily distinguish between tumor cells and the metastatic process, with the detection limit being a major issue. Moreover, we expect that our designed nanoplatform or procedure could be applied to other types of materials or cancers and hope that this nanoplatform will lead to nanomaterials that can be used in the exploration of gene and metastatic research.

Abstract：
The rate of lung cancer has gradually increased in recent years, with an average annual increase of 15%. Afatinib (AFT) plays a key role in preventing non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) growth and spread. To increase the efficiency of drug loading and NSCLC cell tracking, near infrared-persistent luminescence nanomaterials (NIR PLNs), a silica shell-assisted synthetic route for mono-dispersal, are developed and used in the nanovehicle. After optimizing their physical and chemical properties, the NIR PLNs are able to absorb light energy and emit NIR luminescence for several hours. In this research, NIR PLNs are functionalized for drug-carrying capabilities. Effective accumulation of target drugs, such as AFT, using PLN nanomaterials can lead to unique anticancer therapeutic benefits (AFT-PLN). To minimize side effects and increase drug accumulation, nanomaterials with targeting abilities are used instead of simple drugs to inhibit the growth of tumor cells. Thus, the specific targeting aptamer, MAGE-A3 (MAp) is identified, and the PLN to increase its targeting ability (AFT-PLN@MAp) accordingly modified. The advancement of nanoscale techniques in the field of lung cancer is urgently needed; this research presents a plausible diagnostic strategy and a novel method for therapeutic administration.

Next-Generation Cancer-Specific Hybrid Theranostic Nanomaterials: MAGE-A3 NIR Persistent Luminescence Nanoparticles Conjugated to Afatinib for In Situ Suppression of Lung Adenocarcinoma Growth and Metastasis
Author：Chan M.-H., Huang W.-T., Wang J., Liu R.-S., Hsiao M.
Year：2020
Source publication：Advanced Science Volume7, Issue9 May 6, 2020    1903741
Subfield Highest percentage：99%    General Engineering    #2/297

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1002/advs.201903741