Construction of a novel fluorescent nanoenzyme based on lanthanides for tumor theranostics

Traditional lanthanide fluorides lack therapeutic efficacy against tumors, thus limiting their applications in biomedicine. In this study, we introduce a groundbreaking lanthanide-based nanomaterial known as ligand-free Ba_1.4Mn_0.6LuF₇:Yb³⁺/Er³⁺/Ho³⁺ (abbreviated as BMLF). This innovative material allows for the simultaneous tuning of upconversion luminescence emissions and Fenton-like reactions through the controlled release of Mn ions within the tumor microenvironment. BMLF exhibits dual functionality through integrating ratiometric fluorescence imaging for diagnosis and nanozyme-based catalytic therapy. These capabilities are successfully harnessed for tumor theranostics in vivo. This research presents a novel approach to leveraging lanthanide fluoride nanomaterials, transforming them into fluorescent nanoenzymes with theranostic potential.