Recently, the design of a theranostics system has involved
increasing attention in the area of biomedical applications. In many cases,
the intricate synthesis process of upconversion nanoparticle-based
composite materials limits the use of theranostics applications. To address
this challenge, a nanocomposite has been successfully fabricated by the
conjugation of magnetic NaGdF4:Yb/Er nanoparticles as an imaging agent
and MIL-53(Fe) as a drug carrier through a single step. Simultaneously,
folic acid is encapsulated on the surface of the nanocomposite by
conjugation chemistry to achieve the targeted drug delivery applications.
The synthesized nanocomposite exhibits a sufficient amount of loading
ability toward the model anticancer doxorubicin and possesses pHresponsive
drug release. The functionalized nanocomposite not only
possesses excellent colloidal stability and good magnetic and fluorescence property but also shows superior biocompatibility, strong tumor cell growth inhibitory effect, and cancer-enhanced cellular uptake. It is expected that the synthesized nanocomposite can also serve as a platform for both T1 and T2 MRI contrast agents.