Small NIR-to-VIS upconverting nanoparticles for photodynamic therapy

Using a light-based approach known as photodynamic therapy (PDT), we explore a new method in tackling viral pathogens via the excitation of light-sensitive materials called photosensitizers to produce reactive oxygen species which mediates the inactivation of viruses. Photosensitizers are loaded into mesoporous silica coated upconversion nanoparticles to photodynamically inactivate viruses in suspension.