ELUCAPT

E L U C A P T
Entropy-engineered Laser-generated UCNPs for Anticancer Photo-Thermal Therapy

This project aims to develop a green, laser-assisted strategy for synthesizing multifunctional photothermal upconversion nanoparticles (PT-UCNPs) for biophotonic applications. The approach combines entropy-engineered rare-earth oxides and highly doped fluoride systems with femtosecond laser ablation and fragmentation to produce structurally simple nanoparticles with tunable photoluminescence (PL) and photothermal (PT) properties. For the first time, we will explore high-entropy rare-earth oxides as precursors for laser-generated PT-UCNPs, using configurational disorder and controlled defect engineering (Li⁺, Na⁺, Al³⁺, B) to balance radiative and nonradiative processes.

The project investigates multi-wavelength excitation (808 nm, 980 nm, UV) to enable depth-adaptive photothermal therapy. Biological validation will use 2D and 3D spheroid cancer cell models to assess cytocompatibility and therapeutic efficacy. By integrating green nanomanufacturing, entropy-driven materials design, and in vitro validation, the project aims to establish a scalable and multifunctional nanoparticle platform for advanced biophotonic therapy.