Is GGAG:Ce@SiO$_2$-RB composite a prospective material for X-ray induced photodynamic therapy?

TL;DR

This study develops a nanocomposite for X-ray induced photodynamic therapy, demonstrating energy transfer but requiring further optimization for effective singlet oxygen production.

Contribution

The paper introduces a novel GGAG:Ce@SiO2-RB nanocomposite with detailed characterization and evaluation for X-PDT applications, highlighting its potential and current limitations.

Findings

Confirmed energy transfer from scintillating core to Rose Bengal

Minimal dark toxicity at tested concentrations

Did not show significant singlet oxygen production under X-ray irradiation

Abstract

Nanocomposite material ($\mathrm{GGAG:Ce^{3+}@SiO_2-RB}$) for potential use in X-ray induced photodynamic therapy (X-PDT) was developed, thoroughly characterized, and evaluated. It consists of a scintillating $\mathrm{Gd_3(Ga_{1-x}Al_x)_5O_{12}:Ce^{3+}}$ core encapsulated in silica layer and functionalized with the photosensitizer Rose Bengal (RB). Radioluminescence measurements confirmed the energy transfer from the scintillating core to Rose Bengal. Dark toxicity and radiosensitisation effects were evaluated using Saccharomyces cerevisiae as a model organism. The nanocomposite showed minimal dark toxicity at concentrations of up to 10 mg/mL. However, X-ray irradiation experiments did not demonstrate significant singlet oxygen production compared to the controls. Although the nanocomposite design shows potential, further optimization is needed to achieve an effective X-PDT performance.