Figure 12.

UCNPs loaded with ce6 and Plk1 siRNA for PDT and gene combination therapy. a) Schematic showing the functionalization of UCNPs, coloading with ce6 and siRNA, and then the combined PDT and gene therapy delivered by UCNPs. b) The expression levels of Plk1 mRNA determined by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. Plk1 mRNA levels were expressed as a relative index normalized against β-actin. c) The generation of singlet oxygen by measuring the fluorescence intensity changes of singlet oxygen sensor green (SOSG) dye reagent at 525 nm as a function of 980 nm light radiation time (0.8 W cm⁻²). d) In vitro cytotoxicity effects induced by PDT, gene therapy, or combination therapy. The combined photodynamic and gene therapy offered a significantly higher cancer cell killing effect compared to monotherapy by either gene therapy or PDT alone. Reproduced with permission.^[233] Copyright 2014, Royal Society of Chemistry.