Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) as a promising material are widely studied due to their unique optical properties. The material can be excited by long wavelength light and emit visible wavelength light through multiphoton absorption. This property makes the particles highly attractive candidates for bioimaging and therapy application. This review aims at summarizing the synthesis and modification of UCNPs, especially the applications of UCNPs as a theranostic agent for tumor imaging and therapy. The biocompatibility and toxicity of UCNPs are also further discussed. Finally, we discuss the challenges and opportunities in the development of UCNP-based nanoplatforms for tumor imaging and therapy.

光敏剂能否被肿瘤细胞高效吸收是影响光动力治疗效率的重要因素。亲脂性光敏剂易于被肿瘤组织摄取, 但会使光敏剂发生自猝灭; 亲水性光敏剂则有利于光敏剂在体内的转运, 但肿瘤细胞摄取率会下降。本工作通过亲酯性的乙二醇缩合支链和亲水性季膦基团与卟啉相连接, 成功制备一种新型两亲性卟啉锌化合物 (ZnTP-TP), 实验表明该化合物具有较高的单线态氧量子产率和良好的两亲性, 可被细胞快速摄取, 并表现出较低的细胞毒性和良好的肿瘤光动力治疗效应。