Abstract 4478: Persistent luminescent nanoparticles for autofluorescence-free tumor imaging: A novel approach to enhanced cancer diagnostics
Authors: Bhupendra B. Srivastava, Swati Mohan, Murali M. Yallapu, Subhash C. Chauhan
Journal: Cancer Research (2025)

Abstract Background: Persistent luminescent nanoparticles (PLNs) represent a significant advancement in tumor imaging by providing autofluorescence-free imaging capabilities. Unlike conventional fluorescent probes, PLNs emit light for an extended period after excitation, enabling high-sensitivity imaging without interference from surrounding tissue autofluorescence. Despite their potential, commonly used PLNs suffer from low photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY), limiting their brightness and imaging efficiency. This challenge necessitates the development of novel materials and synthesis strategies to enhance PLNs' optical properties and stability for bioimaging applications. Method: PLNs were developed Mn2+-doped Zn2GeO4 (ZGOM) nanorods through a modified hydrothermal synthesis method. The approach was designed to optimize crystal structure, doping efficiency, and luminescent properties. The nanorods were characterized using dynamic lightscattering (DLS), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), andphotoluminescence spectroscopy to evaluate particle size, morphology, crystallinity, and opticalperformance. Their photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY) was measured, and stability studies were conducted in biologically relevant media. Additionally, in vitro studies were performed to assess biocompatibility and imaging efficacy in cancer cell models. Results: The synthesized ZGOM nanorods exhibited a highly uniform rod-like morphology with an average size below 100 nm. Under UV irradiation, the nanorods displayed intense green luminescence with a quantum yield exceeding 50%, demonstrating significant improvement over conventional PLNs. Stability studies confirmed excellent photostability and minimal degradation in aqueous and biological media. In vitro experiments showed efficient cellular uptake and bright, sustained luminescence, enabling high-resolution imaging of cancer cells. Furthermore, the absence of autofluorescence interference in surrounding tissues highlighted the potential of these nanorods as precise imaging agents for tumor targeting and cell tracking. Conclusion: The Mn2+-doped Zn2GeO4 nanorods synthesized in this study exhibit enhanced optical properties, including high PLQY and photostability, making them a promising candidate for autofluorescence-free tumor imaging. The combination of improved synthesis methods and superior material properties addresses the primary limitations of conventional PLNs, paving the way for their application in advanced bioimaging. These findings establish ZGOM nanorods as aviable platform for cancer diagnosis, with potential for further optimization and translation intoclinical imaging applications. Citation Format: Bhupendra B. Srivastava, Swati Mohan, Murali M. Yallapu, Subhash C. Chauhan. Persistent luminescent nanoparticles for autofluorescence-free tumor imaging: A novel approach to enhanced cancer diagnostics [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2025; Part 1 (Regular Abstracts); 2025 Apr 25-30; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2025;85(8_Suppl_1):Abstract nr 4478.