Ultrasound-Activated Persistent Luminescence Imaging and Bacteria-Triggered Drug Release for Helicobacter pylori Infection Theranostics

Abstract

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is recognized as a pathogenic factor related to gastrointestinal diseases and gastric cancer. The theranostics of H. pylori infection is confronted with challenges from colonization on the epithelial cell layer and formation of bacterial biofilms, which prevent interactions with imaging probes and antimicrobial agents. Herein, theranostic nanoparticles (NPs) are developed with ultrasonication (US)-propelled motion and US-excited persistent luminescence for precise imaging and efficient eradication of H. pylori. Mechanoluminescent SrAl 2 O 4 :Eu 2+ (SAOE) and persistently luminescent ZnGa 2 O 4 :Cr 3+ (ZGC) nanodots (NDs) were in situ deposited on mesoporous silica NPs to prepare mSZ NPs. mSZ-Clr@ ePDA NPs were fabricated through surface adsorption of clarithromycin (CLR) and then coating with enzyme-responsive polydopamine layers (ePDA). US-activated SAOE NDs generate emissions to excite ZGC NDs for persistent emission of near-infrared (NIR) afterglows, but they are quenched by the ePDA coatings. The disintegration of ePDA layers by bacterial phospholipase rapidly restores NIR emissions for imaging of H. pylori biofilms and simultaneously triggers the CLR release. US-driven motion promotes NP penetration and CLR delivery across mucus into biofilms, leading to full destruction of the biofilm matrix and embedded bacteria. In an H. pyloriinfection model, mSZ-Clr@ePDA/US treatment enhances the retention of NPs in the stomach and penetration across mucus and accumulation on the epithelial layer, and the US-activated persistent emission provides a real-time diagnosis of H. pylori infection without autofluorescence. The US-propelled accumulation of mSZ-Clr@ePDA NPs and local release of CLR in biofilms significantly eliminate bacterial burdens in gastric tissues at a lower dose of antibiotics. Thus, this study offers a feasible strategy to activate persistent emission in deep tissues and provides a potential theranostic solution for non-invasive imaging and efficient removal of H. pylori infection.

Nano-based theranostic approaches for infection control: current status and perspectives

“…7B) can be coated by MSNs via the core–shell structure or in situ deposited on MSNs for imaging purposes. 191–193…”

“…7B) can be coated by MSNs via the core-shell structure or in situ deposited on MSNs for imaging purposes. [191][192][193] Because of their easily modifiable surface, silica nanoparticles are commonly utilized as stimuli-responsive nanosystems. For instance, a smart bandage constructed by Chen et al showed that the luminescent porous silica particles could respond to ROS and pH changes in the wound area.…”

Principles, properties, and sensing applications of mechanoluminescence materials

“…Zhou et al developed hot nanoparticles for precise imaging and efficient eradication of H. pylori using ultrasound driven motion and ultrasound stimulated continuous luminescence. 181 4.5. Lighting ML particles can act as a ubiquitous light source that can be used anywhere, anytime in the human body and deliver photons to light-functional materials that exist in the body for use in phototherapy, diagnosis and imaging.…”

“…Zhou et al developed hot nanoparticles for precise imaging and efficient eradication of H. pylori using ultrasound driven motion and ultrasound stimulated continuous luminescence. 181…”

Near-Infrared Rechargeable Persistent Luminescence Nanoparticles for Biomedical Implants In Vivo Noninvasive Bioimaging

“…Persistent luminescence nanoparticles (PLNPs), also known as long-lasting luminescence or afterglow particles, can continuously emit luminescence for hours or even days after being excited. This special feature allows detection and imaging without external illumination, which can effectively eliminate the interference of autofluorescence on imaging signals. − Therefore, PLNPs exhibit great potential in biological applications ranging from biosensing/bioimaging to theranostics. − However, current research on PLNPs mainly focuses on cancer tissue-targeted biosensing/imaging, , in vivo drug tracking, , and imaging-guided photodynamic therapy, − and few studies in the field of biomedical implants have been reported.…”