Synthesis and optical properties of SnO2 nanostructure as a novel photosensitizer for deep tumor treatment in photodynamic therapy using UV light and X-ray radiation

Tin oxide (SnO₂) nanoparticles doped with europium impurities were synthesized, and their ability to generate singlet oxygen and hydroxyl radicals was investigated for photodynamic therapy. They were detected using Anthracene and methylene blue reagentsThe process involved chemical synthesis of nanoparticles, followed by analysis of their structural properties and characteristics using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field emission scanning electron microscopy (FE-SEM), and Fourier transform Infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Additionally, the nanoparticles’ optical properties were studied using Photoluminescence spectroscopy (PL) for potential tumor applications. The analysis of the results shows that the prepared nanoparticles have a tetragonal structure, with a size of 14 nm. Additionally, when excited at a wavelength of 275 nm, they exhibit emission peaks at 388, 412, 481, 667, and 735 nm. Nanoparticles not only have the appropriate photoluminescence spectrum needed for photodynamic therapy, but they also exhibit a strong afterglow. These nanoparticles can serve as an effective light source for treating deep tumors. To achieve this, the nanoparticles are stimulated outside the body and then used as a light source. In this study, UV and X-rays were employed to stimulate the nanoparticles and investigate their photodynamic therapy properties. The findings suggest that SnO₂: Eu nanoparticles show promise as a novel and cost-effective treatment for deep tumor photodynamic therapy.

Graphical abstract

The mechanism of photodynamic therapy using SnO₂ nanoparticles with two different light sources for cancer treatment