Chlorinated paraffins (CPs) are complex mixture of chlorinated straight-chain hydrocarbons, including short-, medium-, and long-chain CPs (SCCPs, MCCPs, and LCCPs), to which humans are exposed environmentally. Although PM2.5-bound CPs were positively associated with asthma and related symptoms, the toxicological effects of CPs on the respiratory system remain limitedly understood. CPs were extracted from PM2.5 samples collected in three cities in southern China, representing distinct SCCPs, MCCPs, and LCCPs profiles. The A549/THP-1 co-culture cells, an in vitro respiratory model, were exposed to PM2.5-derived extracts containing CPs (CP extract). The gradient was established according to the extract dosage calibrated based on its quantified SCCP content with environmentally relevant concentrations. Cell viability, oxidative stress, inflammatory factors, cell cycle distribution, and genotoxicity were assessed. CP extracts reduced cell viability, increased pro-inflammatory factors concentrations, induced cell cycle arrest and DNA damage. Furthermore, CP mixtures were prepared using standards to simulate PM2.5-relevant compositions. But the results showed weak toxicological effects of CP mixtures, suggesting CPs play a relatively weak role or CPs exhibit toxicological effects through alternative pathways. Interesting, varying compositional ratios of SCCPs, MCCPs, and LCCPs may induce different cytotoxic effects. These findings provide in vitro evidence for explaining adverse effects of PM2.5-bound CPs on A549/THP-1 cells. More research is needed to clarify the respiratory toxicological effects of CPs.

Post-transplant rejection and infection remain significant obstacles to long-term patient survival. However, there is currently no standardized assay to simultaneously assess an individual patient's risk for both complications. Here, we demonstrate that T cell receptor (TCR)-CD3 oligomers on extracellular vesicles (EVs) represent a promising biomarker for acute cellular rejection. To leverage this, we developed a caliper-shaped aptamer probe to quantify the ratio of TCR-CD3 oligomeric to monomeric EVs derived from CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. This method inherently normalizes the differences in overall EV abundance and minimizes variability arising from plasma input volume (5-15 μL) and storage conditions, thereby ensuring highly robust results. In murine models, the assay yielded markedly higher fluorescence ratios in mice experiencing allograft rejection than in those with infection (mean 0.26 vs 0.14). Crucially, in a clinical cohort of 34 transplant recipients, the assay reliably distinguished rejection and infection with overlapping clinical manifestation and also accurately identified rejection even in patients with concurrent rejection and infection. At a diagnostic cutoff value of 0.69, the assay demonstrated robust performance, with an area under the curve of 0.85, corresponding to a sensitivity of 71% and a specificity of 90%. Ultimately, this approach offers a minimally invasive tool for routine immune monitoring, with the potential to guide immunosuppressive therapy and reduce the reliance on biopsies.

In this study, a CRISPR-Cas12a-based biosensing system integrated with metal-enhanced light-up aptamer fluorescence (MELAF) nanoreporters was developed for ultrasensitive detection of prostate-specific antigen (PSA). Here, the MELAF nanoreporters are constructed with a core-shell architecture consisting of a gold nanorod core, a silver inner shell, a mesoporous silica spacer, and surface linked light-up DNA aptamer-fluorogen complexes, enabling cascade fluorescence enhancement. This cascade fluorescence enhancement is accomplished through a two-stage process: (i) aptamer-fluorogen binding restricts intramolecular rotation, thereby activating fluorogen emission; and (ii) spectrally and spatially optimized Au@Ag core-shell structure provides plasmonic amplification, further boosting the fluorogen signal. In the presence of PSA, the PSA-specific aptamers preferentially bind the antigen, thereby blocking activation of the CRISPR-Cas12a system and preserving the "On" fluorescence state of the nanoreporter. In the absence of PSA, unbound PSA-specific aptamers activate the CRISPR-Cas12a system, inducing trans-cleavage of the MELAF nanoreporter and simultaneously abolishing both the light-up effect and plasmonic enhancement, which leads to a pronounced reduction in fluorescence. As a proof of concept, the platform enables rapid (approximately 75 min) and highly sensitive detection of PSA with a limit of detection of 0.36 pg/mL. The assay exhibits excellent specificity and robustness in complex biological matrices, and measurements in clinical specimens demonstrate high accuracy and diagnostic utility.

Photoisomerization-based liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) actuators offer precise spatiotemporal control over mechanical deformation, yet their reliance on ultraviolet (UV) irradiation limits biomedical applicability due to phototoxicity and poor tissue penetration. Herein, we report an 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) light-driven photoisomerization actuator based on azobenzene-cross-linked LCEs (Azo-LCEs) integrated with NaYF4:Yb/Tm@NaYF4:Yb/Nd@NaYF4 core-shell-shell upconversion nanoparticles (CSS-UCNPs). The Nd3+-sensitized CSS-UCNPs convert 808 nm NIR light into UV/blue upconversion emissions (345-476 nm), driving trans-to-cis isomerization of azobenzene units and inducing macroscopic bending of the LCE films. To evaluate the actuation performance, the UCNPs/Azo-LCE films were tested under continuous-wave 808 nm irradiation for 20 s at power densities of 4-24 W cm-2, reaching a maximum bending angle of 42.8 ± 2.6° at 24 W cm-2 and exhibiting stable cyclic actuation over 50 cycles at 16 W cm-2. For biologically relevant operation, thermal assessment at lower irradiation intensities revealed only a limited temperature rise in the culture medium under 4-8 W cm-2 irradiation (ΔT = 2.29-4.36 °C), with no obvious cumulative heating during cyclic operation (20 s on/20 s off, 50 cycles). In addition, microgroove-patterned UCNPs/Azo-LCE substrates supported the adhesion and spreading of rat cardiomyoblast cells (H9c2) and guided groove-width-dependent uniaxial alignment. This work establishes a strategy for 808 nm-excited photoisomerization-driven LCE actuation and highlights its potential as an NIR-addressable soft actuator platform for future studies of dynamic cell-guidance, while operating with a modest thermal burden under the tested conditions.

CRISPR-Cas12a integrated with nanomaterials has formulated powerful biosensors for viral protein detection, addressing the urgent need for point-of-care diagnostics. However, existing platforms are hindered by either multi-step separation procedures or insufficient signal amplification, limiting their sensitivity and practicality. Here, we report a one-pot "on-off" biosensor that combines metal-enhanced fluorescence (MEF) and nanoscale spatial confinement by co-localizing both reporter substrates and the CRISPR-Cas12a system on gold-silica core-shell nanoparticles (Au@SiO2 NPs), enabling rapid and ultrasensitive protein detection. Using SARS-CoV-2 nucleocapsid (N) protein as a model analyte, Au@SiO2 NPs are co-functionalized with (i) ssDNA activators blocked by N protein-specific aptamers, (ii) light-up hairpin DNA (DAP) complexed with auramine O (AO) as reporters, and (iii) short polyethylene glycol (PEG) spacers to mitigate steric hindrance. The nanoplatform displays an ultrabright "on-state" fluorescence, with an intensity >860-fold higher than that of free AO, enabled by the interaction with DAP and optimized fluorophore-metal spacing (∼20 nm). Upon target binding, aptamer displacement exposes the activator to locally initiate Cas12a trans-cleavage, disrupting proximal DAP structure and its interaction with AO, thereby producing a distinct "off-state" signal. Within the linear detection range, the system demonstrates up to ∼85% signal reduction relative to the initial signal and a signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of 83.89, corresponding to a ∼2.5-fold higher SNR than the solution-phase system. The platform attains a limit of detection at 67.2 fg/mL within 30 min, with excellent sensitivity, selectivity, stability, and recovery in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. By combining MEF-driven signal amplification with surface-confined CRISPR-Cas12a trans-cleavage, this platform establishes an efficient strategy for sensitive N protein detection.

Sports teams are constantly seeking advanced technologies to gain a competitive edge by enhancing athletic performance, accelerating recovery, and minimizing injury risk. Sweat serves as a readily accessible biofluid which enables non-invasive measurement of key biochemical analytes and physiological parameters during sports activities, providing valuable insights into an athlete’s fatigue status, hydration levels, energy expenditure, and muscle function. With ongoing advancements in wearable sweat sensors, particularly those powered by artificial intelligence (AI), these devices facilitate dynamic adjustments to training intensity, optimized fatigue management, personalized recovery strategies, and overall performance enhancement, which are especially valuable for athletes and sports teams. In this paper, we present a structured narrative overview of sweat-based wearable biosensor technologies, highlighting target analytes of interest, advanced materials, innovative designs, AI integration for data interpretation, and applications of commercial products in sports scenarios. Furthermore, we highlight challenges like sweat composition variability, calibration issues, and limitations in sensor materials. We also explore opportunities for future development, such as enhancing sensor performance with hybrid materials, expanding multimodal biosensors, and refining AI systems for personalized performance optimization.

Precise manipulation of bioparticles in micro- and nano-fluidic environments is crucial for applications in cancer diagnostics, drug delivery, and single‑cell analysis. Despite the optical and acoustic tweezers provide high accuracy and stability, their flexibility and selectivity are often constrained by factors such as laser‑induced heating, reliance on the optical properties of target particles, and the labor‑ and time‑intensive fabrication of interdigital transducers (IDTs). In this study, we develop an annular beam-driven photoacoustic tweezer (PAT) to implement high-precision, selective handling of microparticles via annular beam-generated transient photoacoustic waves (T-PAWs). Realized via an axicon-enabled optical setup, a nanosecond laser beam is shaped into a ring pattern and focused on a polycrystalline silicon substrate coated with chromium and aurum layers, which supports a confined liquid layer. The annular laser beam photoacoustically generates water-borne T-PAWs and establishes an annular acoustic potential well (APW), which in turn establishes a radially inward acoustic radiation force (ARF), to continuously guide target microparticles, and simultaneously a concurrent outward‑propagating pressure along the ring periphery to exclude non-target microparticles. To elucidate the mechanism of laser‑induced T-AWs, we develop a multiphysical finite element model integrating photo‑thermo‑acoustic coupling, and experimentally validate the capability of the developed PAT in selectively capturing, assembling, and isolating single and multiple silicon microparticles and hydrogel microspheres. This annular PAT bridges selective, label-free trapping with fabrication simplicity by eliminating the need for IDTs, offering a rapidly reconfigurable method and non-contact approach for versatile bioparticle manipulation.

Tumor-derived exosomes carry multi-scale molecular signatures (e.g., surface proteins and nucleic acids) that reflect tumor heterogeneity, yet simultaneously profiling these biomarkers in single intact vesicles remains technically challenging. Herein, we developed a digital droplet microfluidic platform that integrates a DNA walker and a CRISPR/Cas13a system for the simultaneous detection of surface proteins (EpCAM, HER2) and miRNA (miR-21) at the single exosome level. This platform employed engineered liposome nanoprobes (eLipo-NPs) with EpCAM aptamers and hairpin probes (HPs) functionalized on their outer membranes, and encapsulated a CRISPR/Cas13a system within their lumen. Upon co-encapsulation with single exosomes into droplets, EpCAM-mediated membrane fusion redistributed HPs across the hybrid membrane and delivered CRISPR/Cas13a into the exosomes. The membrane-anchored DNA walker then bound HER2 and drove cyclic DNAzyme cleavage of HPs to restore red fluorescence. At the same time, crRNA-guided Cas13a recognized miR-21 and triggered trans-cleavage of reporters to generate green fluorescence. Digital counting of dual-positive droplets enabled quantitative single-exosome analysis with a limit of detection (LOD) of 10 particles/μL and a detection time of 60 min. Clinical validation using plasma-derived exosomes from 24 breast cancer patients and 14 healthy donors demonstrated distinct distributions among HER2-positive, HER2-negative, and healthy control groups, with the percentage of dual-positive droplets significantly correlated with clinical HER2 status, highlighting the platform's potential for liquid biopsy and precision oncology.

Photoisomerization-based liquid crystal elastomer (LCE) actuators offer precise spatiotemporal control over mechanical deformation, yet their reliance on ultraviolet (UV) irradiation limits biomedical applicability due to phototoxicity and poor tissue penetration. Herein, we report an 808 nm near-infrared (NIR) light-driven photoisomerization actuator based on azobenzene-cross-linked LCEs (Azo-LCEs) integrated with NaYF4:Yb/Tm@NaYF4:Yb/Nd@NaYF4 core-shell-shell upconversion nanoparticles (CSS-UCNPs). The Nd3+-sensitized CSS-UCNPs convert 808 nm NIR light into UV/blue upconversion emissions (345-476 nm), driving trans-to-cis isomerization of azobenzene units and inducing macroscopic bending of the LCE films. To evaluate the actuation performance, the UCNPs/Azo-LCE films were tested under continuous-wave 808 nm irradiation for 20 s at power densities of 4-24 W cm-2, reaching a maximum bending angle of 42.8 +/- 2.6 degrees at 24 W cm-2 and exhibiting stable cyclic actuation over 50 cycles at 16 W cm-2. For biologically relevant operation, thermal assessment at lower irradiation intensities revealed only a limited temperature rise in the culture medium under 4-8 W cm-2 irradiation (Delta T = 2.29-4.36 degrees C), with no obvious cumulative heating during cyclic operation (20 s on/20 s off, 50 cycles). In addition, microgroove-patterned UCNPs/Azo-LCE substrates supported the adhesion and spreading of rat cardiomyoblast cells (H9c2) and guided groove-width-dependent uniaxial alignment. This work establishes a strategy for 808 nm-excited photoisomerization-driven LCE actuation and highlights its potential as an NIR-addressable soft actuator platform for future studies of dynamic cell-guidance, while operating with a modest thermal burden under the tested conditions.

The BRCA1 gene is essential for the developmental regulation and function of T lymphocytes, yet its mRNA expression during T-cell differentiation remains unclear due to the lack of effective in-situ monitoring tools. To address this, we developed a ratiometric fluorescent nanosensor based on Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) for reliable quantification of BRCA1 mRNA in living CD8+ T cells. The sensor comprises a fluorescein-labeled DNA probe (FAMcDNA) assembled with Triton X-100-modified methylgermanene nanosheets (GeT), forming an efficient FRET pair. In the absence of the target, FAMcDNA adsorbs onto the GeT surface, resulting in a FRET effect that quenches FAM fluorescence and enhances GeT emission by 1.63-fold. Upon specific hybridization with BRCA1 mRNA, the probe detaches, disrupting the FRET process and causing a quantitative ratiometric shift (I520/I640). This self-calibrating system demonstrates high sensitivity, with detection limits of 18.1 pM (R2 = 0.985) for synthetic DNA and 17.2 pM (R2 = 0.996) for mRNA, and a rapid response time (∼10 min). Importantly, the nanoprobe enabled ratiometric imaging of endogenous BRCA1 mRNA in living CD8+ T cells, revealing a significant increase in the I520/I640 ratio during activation, visually confirming BRCA1 upregulation consistent with RNA-seq data. This work provides a robust assay for T-cell studies and highlights red-emissive germanene as a promising platform for ratiometric biosensing.

Breast cancer is highly heterogeneous, with distinct subtypes-luminal A, HER2-positive, and triple-negative-each exhibiting unique behaviors and treatment responses. Accurate identification of these subtypes is essential for guiding personalized therapies and improving outcomes. Exosomes, small extracellular vesicles secreted by tumor cells, have emerged as critical biomarkers for cancer diagnostics due to their pivotal role in intercellular communication and their rich molecular cargo reflective of cell origin. However, current exosome-based biosensors struggle to differentiate between breast cancer subtypes, limiting their effectiveness in precision medicine. To address this challenge, we have developed an innovative droplet-microarray platform integrated with a DNase I-assisted MoS2 FRET aptasensor for multiplexed profiling of breast cancer exosome subtypes (luminal A, HER2-positive, and triple-negative). This platform targets three key protein biomarkers-HER2, MUC1, and CD44-leveraging the high specificity of aptamers and the sensitivity of DNase I-assisted signal amplification. Our approach enables high-resolution differentiation of breast tumor exosome profiles with an impressive limit of detection (LOD) of approximately 102 particles/mL. Application of this aptasensor to clinical samples demonstrated excellent predictive accuracy for breast cancer subtype discrimination (luminal A: AUC = 0.95; HER2-positive: AUC = 0.99; triple-negative: AUC = 0.90). By enabling precise identification of breast cancer subtypes, our approach holds promise for enhancing diagnostic accuracy and guiding personalized treatment strategies. This advancement represents a significant step forward in the application of exosome-based diagnostics in precision oncology.

Exosomes (30-150 nm) are phospholipid nanovesicles that carry molecular cargo reflecting their cellular origin, making them promising non-invasive biomarkers for cancer detection. Herein, we report the first 3D DNA walker-powered graphene field-effect transistor (GFET) biosensing platform for ultrasensitive detection of HER2positive breast cancer exosomes. The assay integrates a two-stage, cascade amplification strategy. First, specific recognition of HER2-positive exosomes induces aptamer displacement, thereby activating DNAzyme-powered 3D DNA walkers that catalytically cleave substrate strands in the presence of Zn2 +, continuously releasing singlestranded DNA (ssDNA) reporters. Second, the released ssDNA is captured by hairpin probes at the GFET gate interface, increasing the local negative charge within the Debye screening length and producing a shift in the charge neutrality point voltage (Vcnp). By measuring the signal change, the platform enables quantitative detection within similar to 1.5 h and achieves a limit of detection (LOD) of 1.57 particles mu L-1. Furthermore, this DNA walker-powered GFET platform was validated using clinical plasma samples and successfully distinguished HER2-positive from HER2-negative breast cancer patients.

Stimuli-responsive microgels are smart materials capable of undergoing reversible volume phase transitions in response to external triggers, making them promising for applications in drug delivery, biosensing, and tissue engineering. Nonetheless, continuous monitoring of such a transition remains technically challenging. To address this challenge, we present an integrated acoustofluidic platform that monitors drug delivery processes by utilizing the volume phase transition of microgels as a direct physical indicator of the drug release state. Monodisperse pH-responsive microgels are fabricated via droplet microfluidics and UV photopolymerization. Upon exposure to pH variations, these microgels exhibit distinct diameter changes: their swelling facilitates drug release, while deswelling ensures drug retention. A traveling surface acoustic wave (TSAW) field translates this physical transformation into spatial displacements in a microchannel by exerting size-dependent acoustic radiation force (ARF), which enables the continuous, label-free sorting of microgels based on their responsiveness. This approach bridges chemical stimuli and acoustofluidic manipulation, serving as a functional screening tool to combine real-time monitoring of carrier responsiveness with physical separation capabilities for stimulus-responsive drug delivery applications.

One of the primary challenges for immune checkpoint blockade (ICB)-based therapy is the limited infiltration of T lymphocytes (T cells) into tumors, often referred to as immunologically “cold” tumors. A promising strategy to enhance the anti-tumor efficacy of ICB is to increase antigen exposure, thereby enhancing T cell activation and converting “cold” tumors into “hot” ones. Herein, we present an innovative all-in-one therapeutic nanoplatform to realize local mild photothermal- and photodynamic-triggered antigen exposure, thereby improving the anti-tumor efficacy of ICB. This nanoplatform involves conjugating programmed death-ligand 1 antibody (aPD-L1) with gadolinium-doped near-infrared (NIR)-emitting carbon dots (aPD-L1@GdCDs), which displays negligible cytotoxicity in the absence of light. But under controlled NIR laser irradiation, the GdCDs produce combined photothermal and photodynamic effects. This not only results in tumor ablation but also induces immunogenic cell death (ICD), facilitating enhanced infiltration of CD8+ T cells in the tumor area. Importantly, the combination of aPD-L1 with photothermal and photodynamic therapies via aPD-L1@GdCDs significantly boosts CD8+ T cell infiltration, reduces tumor size, and improves anti-metastasis effects compared to either GdCDs-based phototherapy or aPD-L1 alone. In addition, the whole treatment process can be monitored by multi-modal fluorescence/photoacoustic/magnetic resonance imaging (FLI/PAI/MRI). Our study highlights a promising nanoplatform for cancer diagnosis and therapy, as well as paves the way to promote the efficacy of ICB therapy through mild photothermal- and photodynamic-triggered immunotherapy.

Rapid and portable profiling of surface proteins on small extracellular vesicles (sEV) is crucial for noninvasive cancer screening but remains technically challenging. Here, we present a Tyndall effect (TE)-based visible aptasensing platform (TEVAP) for direct, low-cost, and isolation-free detection of sEV surface proteins from complex biological samples. Aptamer-conjugated gold nanoparticles specifically bind to sEV, forming large-scale composites that enhance the TE signal. This enables the identification of five tumor-associated proteins with a detection limit of 6.5 × 106 particles mL-1 without enzyme catalysis or signal amplification strategies, comparable to other instrument-dependent methods. Applied to clinical samples (e.g., 5 μL of plasma), TEVAP generated distinct signal patterns and effectively distinguished liver and breast cancer patients from healthy controls. With further validation in larger cohorts, this platform holds strong potential for convenient cancer screening and postoperative monitoring.

Air-liquid interface (ALI) systems have emerged as a physiologically relevant in vitro platform for evaluating the toxicological impact and potential health effects of airborne pollutants. When utilizing collected ultrafine particles (UFPs), application volume and liquid type are critical parameters. Using a smaller volume of liquid for the cell exposure results in a heterogeneous distribution of UFPs across the cell monolayer, whereas application of a sufficient volume optimises even UFP distribution. A buffered solution for UFP administration minimises potential side effects and unravels dose-dependent effects in toxicological endpoints. However, standardised exposure methodologies limit reproducibility and comparability across studies. Therefore, we propose a refined manual exposure technique of suspended airborne pollutants in an adequate exposure volume that bridges the gap between conventional submerged cultures and ALI systems. Our model uses cell culture inserts with A549 epithelial cells, THP-1 macrophages, and EA.hy926 endothelial cells to mimic the in vivo alveolar barrier within the lungs. This approach offers a balance of experimental reproducibility whilst addressing the current challenges of standardisation and feasibility in exposure studies with manual UFP exposure. In conjunction with existing aerosol ALI continuous flow exposure systems, our studies are advancing translational in vitro evaluations, aligning with the 3R principle.

OBJECTIVE:To investigate the effect of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) on the proliferation, apoptosis and colony-forming unit-megakaryocyte (CFU-MK) of Meg-01 cells and its possible mechanisms. METHODS:The uptake and metabolism of 5-HT in Meg-01 cells were analysed by reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography (RP-HPLC) with electrochemical detection. The expression of 5-HT2B receptor (5-HT2BR) in megakaryocytes was detected by immunofluorescence staining. The cell proliferation and viability were measured by MTT and Trypan blue staining after Meg-01 cells were single-cultured or co-cultured with different concentrations of 5-HT/5-HT2BR inhibitor Ketanserin for 48 h. Meg-01 cells were incubated with 5-HT/ Ketanserin for 72 h, then the flow cytometry was used to detect early apoptosis of the cells and the activity of caspase-3. Using CFU-MK assay to investigate the effect of 5-HT on the differentiation of megakaryocytes. RESULTS:5-HT could be uptaken by Meg-01 cells, and metabolized into 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (5-HIAA). The expression of 5-HT2BR on megakaryocytes could be detected after immunofluorescence staining. 5-HT could promote the proliferation of Meg-01 cells at a dose-dependent manner (r =0.82), with the most significant effect observed at a concentration of 200 nmol/L (P < 0.001). Trypan blue staining also indicated that 200 nmol/L 5-HT had the most significant effect on the viability of Meg-01 cells (P < 0.05). The proliferation of Meg-01 cells treated with 5-HT was increased compared with the untreated control (P < 0.001), while the combination of 5-HT with ketanserin downregulated this effect. 5-HT significantly reduced the early apoptosis rate (P < 0.001) and caspase-3 activity (P < 0.05) of Meg-01 cells, while addition of ketanserin significantly increased the early apoptosis rate of Meg-01 cells (P < 0.001) and caspase-3 activity also increased to some extent. 5-HT promoted the formation of CFU-MK in bone marrow cells in a dose-dependent manner (r =0.89). The addition of ketanserin reduced the promoting effect of 5-HT on CFU-MK formation (P < 0.01). CONCLUSION:There may be monoamine oxidase present in megakaryocytes, which can metabolize and decompose 5-HT into 5-HIAA. 5-HT may promote the proliferation and differentiation of megakaryocytes through 5-HT2BR. Besides, 5-HT can also reduce the apoptosis of megakaryocytes, and its anti-apoptotic effect may be mediated by 5-HT2BR and caspase-3 pathways.

This study reports a facile approach for the green synthesis of a high-performance magnetic resonance/computed tomography (MR/CT) dual-modal imaging nanoprobe. The probe, designated as NPs-TCZ, is synthesized via one-step self-assembly of two amphiphilic block copolymers, namely, PEG-DTIPA-TCZ and pal-GGGGHHHHD. The NPs-TCZ exhibits a high longitudinal relaxivity (9.60 mM-1 s-1) and X-ray absorption (58.2 Hu mM-1), as well as excellent water solubility and biocompatibility. The MR/CT dual-modal imaging can synergistically visualize synovial inflammation and bone erosion, which are both important clinical indicators for assessing arthritis severity, enabling sensitive diagnosis and prognostic assessments of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). The active targeting capability of tocilizumab (TCZ) enables the specific accumulation of NPs-TCZ at inflamed joints rather than healthy joints, significantly enhancing the imaging signals and minimizing its potential side effects. In vivo assays using both collagen-induced arthritis mice and acute arthritis mice demonstrate high performance and effectiveness in MR/CT dual-modal imaging of inflamed joints. This study provides insights into not only RA diagnosis in a more accurate manner but also the synthesis of multifunctional nanoprobes in a more robust and mild manner.

The rapidly advancing field of theranostics aims to integrate therapeutic and diagnostic functionalities into a single platform for precision medicine, enabling the simultaneous treatment and monitoring of diseases. Photo-energy conversion-based nanomaterials have emerged as a versatile platform that utilizes the unique properties of light to activate theranostics with high spatial and temporal precision. This review provides a comprehensive overview of recent developments in photo-energy conversion using nanomaterials, highlighting their applications in disease theranostics. The discussion begins by exploring the fundamental principles of photo-energy conversion in nanomaterials, including the types of materials used and various light-triggered mechanisms, such as photoluminescence, photothermal, photoelectric, photoacoustic, photo-triggered SERS, and photodynamic processes. Following this, the review delves into the broad spectrum of applications of photo-energy conversion in nanomaterials, emphasizing their role in the diagnosis and treatment of major diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, retinal degeneration, and osteoarthritis. Finally, the challenges and opportunities of photo-energy conversion-based technologies for precision theranostics are discussed, aiming to advance personalized medicine.