Recent advances in near-infrared-II hollow nanoplatforms for photothermal-based cancer treatment

PEGylated PAMAM dendrimer nanoplatform for co-delivery of chemotherapeutic agents and inorganic nanoparticles enhancing chemo-photothermal combination therapy

Chemo-photothermal combination therapy has emerged as an important approach for enhancing therapeutic efficacy against tumors. However, developing a flexible nanoplatform capable of co-encapsulating inorganic photothermal agents (PTAs) and organic antitumor drugs remains challenging. A polyethylene glycol-functionalized polyamidoamine (PAMAM) dendrimer (PAMAM-PEG) served as a template for the synthesis of copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticles and subsequent encapsulation of doxorubicin (DOX) within its inner cavities. The multifunctional nanoplatform demonstrated high colloidal stability along with photothermal conversion efficiency upon 980 nm laser irradiation. This synergistic effect substantially improved DOX cellular uptake and tumor penetration, resulting in superior antitumor efficacy relative to chemotherapy alone. These results demonstrate that PAMAM-PEG represents a promising nanoplatform for combined chemo-photothermal therapy, providing a novel strategy to address current limitations in tumor treatment while enhancing therapeutic outcomes.

Advances in photoactivated carbon-based nanostructured materials for targeted cancer therapy

In this review, we explore key innovations in photoactivated therapeutic programming of carbon-based nanomaterials (CBNs), focusing on their diverse nanostructural configurations and their exceptional photothermal, photochemical, and photoacoustic properties. These attributes position CBNs as remarkable phototherapeutic agents, capable of addressing critical challenges in targeted cancer therapy through their precision, multifunctionality, and adaptability to specific therapeutic modalities. We will explore their diverse derivatives, and the role of chemical augmentation and site-specific surface functionalisation, which are pivotal in optimising the targeting and efficacy of phototherapeutic interventions. The biological and physical relevance of this ever-growing library of nanomaterials in targeted phototherapy will be thoroughly explored. Dynamic photo-triggering of the underlying molecular mechanisms of action e.g., energy conversion modalities lie at the heart of these therapeutic innovations. We will further discuss the tunability and programming of these carriers and structure-function alterations at specific therapeutic wavelengths. The application space of phototherapies is thoroughly mapped exploring the three primary approaches of photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy and photochemical internalisation as well as emerging techniques and promising multimodal approaches that combine two or more of these processes. The specificity of the target tissue site and the approach under study forms another critical focus area of this review, with an emphasis on three types of cancer-breast cancer, lung cancer, and gliomas-that have demonstrated some of the most promising outcomes from photomedicine. We also provide a perspective on in vitro and in vivo validation and preclinical testing of CBNs for phototherapeutic applications. Finally, we reflect on the potential of CBNs to revolutionise targeted cancer therapy through data-driven materials design and integration with computational tools for biophysical performance optimisation. The exciting integration of machine learning into nanoparticle research and phototherapy has potential to fundamentally transform the landscape of nanomedicine. These techniques ranging from supervised learning algorithms such as random forests and support vector machines to more advanced neural networks and deep learning, can enable unprecedented precision in predicting, optimising, and tailoring the properties of nanoparticles for targeted applications. The transformative impact of photoactivated CBNs in advancing cancer treatment, paves the way for their clinical application and widespread adoption in personalised photomedicine. We conclude with a section on the current challenges facing the reproducibility, manufacturing throughput, and biocompatibility of these nanostructured materials including their long-term effects in trials and degradation profiles in biological systems as evaluated in vitro and in vivo.

Synergistic chemo-photothermal treatment via MXene-encapsulated nanoparticles for targeted melanoma therapy

Owing to its high photothermal conversion efficiency, MXene has garnered strong interest in biomedical applications. MXene has demonstrated significant promise particularly in chemo-photothermal cancer therapy. However, MXene's inherent instability in aqueous environments poses challenges for advanced biological applications. Here, we address this limitation by encapsulating MXene nanoparticles (NPs) within an amphiphilic polymer matrix of hyaluronic acid and poly(lactide-co-glycolide) (HA-PLGA/MX NPs), enhancing photothermal stability and functionality in physiological conditions. Moreover, to achieve targeted chemo-photothermal therapy, we co-loaded the anticancer agent paclitaxel (PTX) with HA-PLGA/MX (HA-PLGA/MXP NPs), facilitating simultaneous delivery of heat and drug to tumor sites. The HA-PLGA/MXP NPs were synthesized using a straightforward water-oil-water emulsion method and extensively characterized for drug release assays to confirm their suitability as dual-functional nanocarriers. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that HA-PLGA/MXP NPs, under laser irradiation, achieved obviously enhanced therapeutic efficacy, with an ∼81.9 % cell death rate and a ∼95.7 % tumor inhibition rate, outperforming the effects of chemotherapy or photothermal therapy alone. Integrating MXene in HA-PLGA encapsulation introduces a potent platform for melanoma treatment, offering synergistic therapeutic potential by combining photothermal activity with sustained drug release, highlighting a promising approach to targeted cancer therapy, and advancing the field of NP-based chemo-photothermal therapeutics.

Hypoxia-Targeted-Therapy: Mussel-inspired hollow polydopamine nanocarrier containing MoS2 nanozyme and tirapazamine with anti-angiogenesis property for synergistic tumor therapy

Photothermal therapy (PTT) using thermal and tumor microenvironment-responsive reagents is promising for cancer treatment. This study demonstrates an effective PTT nanodrug consisting of hollow-structured, thermally sensitive polydopamine nanobowls (HPDA NB), molybdenum sulfide (MoS2) nanozyme, and tirapazamine (TPZ; a hypoxia-responsive drug), with a structure of HPDA@TPZ/MoS NBs, which is hereafter denoted as HPTZMoS NBs. With the Fenton-like activity, the HPTZMoS NBs in the presence of H2O2 catalyze the formation of hydroxyl radicals, providing chemodynamic therapy (CDT) effect and deactivating glutathione. Under acidic conditions, HPTZMoS NBs facilitate the release of sulfide ions (S2-) and TPZ, providing a combination of chemotherapy (CT) and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) gas therapy (GT). Under an 808-nm NIR laser irradiation, the HPTZMoS NBs efficiently convert photo energy to thermal energy, providing PTT and improved CDT, CT, and GT effects. Upon treatment with an NIR laser and H2O2, a synergistic effect leads to substantial tumor cell eradication. Additionally, HPTZMoS NBs disrupt vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-A165)-induced cell migration in human umbilical vein endothelial cells through its strong interaction with VEGF-A165. In vivo studies in 4T1-tumor-bearing mice confirm that HPTZMoS NBs induces significant tumor destruction through a combination of PTT, hyperthermia-induced CDT, GT, and CT pathways. This study presents a multifaceted, highly selective nanotherapy platform with potent anti-angiogenesis properties, holding significant promise for future clinical applications.

Review of light activated antibacterial nanomaterials in the second biological window

Bacterial infections continue to pose a major threat to public health, contributing to high mortality rates worldwide. The growing ineffectiveness of conventional antibiotics has created an urgent need for alternative solutions. Nanomaterials (NMs) have emerged as a promising approach to combating bacterial infections due to their unique physicochemical properties, and extensive research has been conducted to address this crisis, yielding notable results. However, challenges such as limited light absorption and inherent cytotoxicity remain significant concerns. Furthermore, the clinical adoption of single-mode phototherapy is often restricted by the shallow tissue penetration of traditional light sources. The second biological window (NIR-II, 950-1450 nm) offers a groundbreaking opportunity for therapeutic and diagnostic applications by enabling deeper tissue penetration. As a result, growing research efforts are dedicated to developing NIR-II activated photosensitizers and nanomaterials to overcome challenges such as poor light absorption, limited tissue penetration, and suboptimal activation. Despite significant advancements, a comprehensive review of antibacterial nanomaterials specifically designed for the NIR-II window is still lacking in literature. This review aims to fill that gap by discussing the latest advancements, challenges, and potential of light-activated antibacterial nanomaterials within the BW-II region. The goal is to enhance understanding and guide the development of more efficient nanomaterials for future biomedical and clinical applications.

Multifunctional metal-organic frameworks with photothermal-triggered nitric oxide release for gas/photothermal synergistic cancer therapy

Photothermal therapy (PTT) utilizing cyanine dyes (Cy) and nitric oxide (NO) gas therapy via BNN6 have demonstrated significant potential in cancer treatment. However, the rapid clearance of these small molecules from the body limits their accumulation at tumor sites, thereby reducing therapeutic efficacy. To address this, we employed the acid-sensitive nanomaterial ZIF-8 as a carrier to encapsulate Cy and BNN6, creating functionalized BNN6-Cy@ZIF-8 Nanoparticles (B-C@Z NPs) for the targeted delivery and release of Cy and BNN6 at tumor sites. Within the acidic tumor microenvironment and lysosomes, ZIF-8 degrades, releasing Cy and BNN6. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, Cy exhibits excellent photothermal conversion efficiency, generating substantial heat to induce tumor cell apoptosis via PTT. Simultaneously, the elevated temperature triggers the decomposition of BNN6, releasing NO to further enhance tumor cell cytotoxicity. This synergistic approach, combining hyperthermia and NO-mediated cytotoxicity, has shown near-complete tumor eradication in vivo and in vitro, offering a promising novel strategy for cancer therapy.

Tailored Liposomal Nanomedicine Suppresses Incomplete Radiofrequency Ablation-Induced Tumor Relapse by Reprogramming Antitumor Immunity

Radiofrequency ablation (RFA), a thermoablative treatment for small hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), has limited therapeutic benefit for advanced HCC patients with large, multiple, and/or irregular tumors owing to incomplete RFA (iRFA) of the tumor mass. It is first identified that iRFA-treated tumors exhibited increased pyruvate kinase M2 (PKM2) expression, exacerbated tumor immunosuppression featured with increased tumor infiltration of suppressive immune cells and increased proliferation, and programmed cell death ligand 1 expression of cancer cell and ultimately a poor prognosis. Herein, a multifunctional nanomedicine is fabricated by encapsulating nanoassemblies of anti-PD-L1 and spermidine-grafted oxidized dextran with shikonin-containing lipid bilayers to reverse iRFA-induced treatment failure. Shikonin, a PKM2 inhibitor, is used to suppress glycolysis in cancer cells, while anti-PD-L1 and spermidine are introduced to collectively reprogram the proliferation and functions of infiltrated CD8+ T lymphocytes. Combined with iRFA, which promoted the exposure of tumor antigens, the intravenous injection of liposomal SPS-NPs effectively stimulated dendritic cell maturation and reversed tumor immunosuppression, thus eliciting potent antitumor immunity to synergistically suppress the growth of residual tumor masses and lung metastasis. The as-prepared liposomal nanomedicine is promising for potentiating the therapeutic benefits of RFA toward advanced HCC patients through reprogramming iRFA-induced tumor immunosuppression.

AuI-incorporated metal-organic frameworks nanozymes for thioreduction and glutathione depletion-mediated efficient photoimmunotherapy

Tumor therapy has historically been a global research focus, with phototherapy garnered significant attention as a innovative treatment modality. However, the antioxidant defense system in the tumor microenvironment, characterized by excessive glutathione (GSH) and thiol-containing proteins, often limits the effectiveness of photodynamic therapy. In this study, we report the development of a new multifunctional integrated nanozyme with thioredoxin reductase-oxidase (TrxRox) and GSH-oxidase (GSHox)-like activities. This nanozyme, termed AuI-incorporated MOFs, was synthesized by embedding monovalent Au nanozymes into a light-sensitive metal-organic framework (MOFs) structure using an in-situ oxidation-reduction method. The intergrated AuI nanozyme exhibited inhibitory effects on TrxR and presented significant anti-tumor properties. Moreover, the integrated nanozyme also demonstrates peroxidase-like activity, catalyzing the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Additionally, this nanomedicine effectively depletes existing GSH and TrxR, thereby enhancing the efficacy of photodynamic and photothermal therapy. Notably, under light conditions, this nanozyme induces oxidative stress within cells, leading to apoptosis and necrosis of tumor cells. Of note, it triggers immunogenic cell death and activating antigen-presenting cells to convert cold tumors into hot tumors. Therefore, AuI-incorporated MOFs nanozyme demonstrates promising potential in photoimmunotherapy, offering new insights and strategies for tumor therapy.

A multifunctional hyaluronic acid-engineered mesoporous nanoreactor with H2O2/O2 self-sufficiency for pH-triggered endo-lysosomal escape and synergetic cancer therapy

Monotherapy has poor accuracy and is easily restricted by tumor microenvironment (TME). Remodeling components of the TME to activate multimodal cancer therapy with high precision and efficiency is worth exploring. A multifunctional nanoreactor was fabricated by decorating chlorin e6-modified and PEGylated hyaluronic acid bearing diethylenetriamine-conjugated dihydrolipoic acid on the surface of glucose oxidase (GOx)-loaded hollow mesoporous CuS nanoparticles (labeled as GOx@HCuS@HA). This nanoreactor efficiently targets tumor sites, enhances cellular internalization, and swiftly escapes from endo-lysosomes after intravenous injection. Subsequently, GOx@HCuS@HA was activated in hyaluronidase and H + -rich TME to produce H2O2 and gluconic acid through the oxidation of glucose, which not only blocks the energy supply of cancer cells, executing starvation treatment (ST), but also bolsters hydroxyl radicals (•OH)-based chemodynamic therapy (CDT) by Fenton-like reaction between HCuS and H2O2. Furthermore, reductive Cu ions could catalyze H2O2 to produce O2 to alleviate the limitation of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for tumor hypoxia. Additionally, the photothermal effect of HCuS under NIR irradiation could increase the temperature of tumor tissues to perform photothermal therapy (PTT). This synergistic antitumor strategy could ultimately achieve precise tumor cell destruction and maintain excellent biosafety. Hence, this nanoreactor offer promising prospects for efficient tumor treatment.

Research progress of near-infrared fluorescence imaging in accurate theranostics in bladder cancer

BACKGROUND

With among the highest 5-year recurrence rate, bladder cancer is a relatively common type of malignancy that typically originates from the urothelial cells lining the bladder. Additionally, bladder cancer is one of the most financially burdensome neoplasms to medical institutions in terms of management. Hence, prompt identification and accurate handling of bladder cancer are pivotal for enhancing patient prognosis. Optical imaging has experienced remarkable advancements in fundamental medical research owing to its cost-effectiveness and capacity for real-time imaging. The utilization of near-infrared imaging techniques has also become a prominent area of research in recent times. By effectively decreasing the adverse effects of light scattering and tissue autofluorescence, this technique offers a deeper penetration depth, a better signal-to-noise ratio of images, and a clear resolution for imaging. Thus, this article introduces the application of near-infrared fluorescence imaging in diagnosing and treating bladder cancer. Furthermore, the paper delves into the field's obstacles, possibilities, and upcoming prospects.

RESULTS

Near-infrared fluorescence has advantages over white or blue light in theory and in most articles. However, the lack of penetration depth of NIR fluorescence imaging is still a challenge.

CONCLUSION

Despite notable improvements in the depth of near-infrared fluorescence imaging, the penetration of deeper tissues remains a barrier. It is our hope and pursuit that NIR fluorescence imaging technology can achieve good depth and precision in surgery.

Thermoresistant flagellin-adjuvanted cancer vaccine combined with photothermal therapy synergizes with anti-PD-1 treatment

BACKGROUND

Cancer immunotherapy, leveraging the immune system to target and eradicate cancer cells, has transformed cancer treatment paradigms. Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are used in a wide array of cancers, but only a limited fraction of patients are responding. Cancer vaccines could elicit antigen-specific immune responses and establish long-term immune memory, preventing recurrence and metastasis. Despite their promising profiles, ICIs and cancer vaccines by themselves are often insufficient to overcome the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and recurrence/metastasis. Addressing these challenges is crucial for improving cancer immunotherapy outcomes.

METHODS

The targeted liposomal formulation (TLIF), displaying Cyclic RGD (cRGD) peptide on the surface and encapsulating ICG and thermoresistant flagellin (FlaB) inside, was used for photothermal therapy (PTT), which was designed to induce robust immunogenic cell death (ICD) and release tumor antigens (TAs). We employed a mouse breast cancer model amenable to PTT. Utilizing a bilateral DD-Her2/neu tumor implantation model, we evaluated local and abscopal effects of combinatorial approaches employing PTT, FlaB-adjuvanted peptide vaccine (FlaB-Vax), and anti-PD-1 treatment. FlaB-Vax was designed to trigger tumor-associated antigen (TAA)-specific immune responses, which will trigger specific anti-tumor immunity. TLIF-PTT aimed to reduce tumor burden and induce ICD-mediated TA liberation for epitope spreading. Sustained anti-tumor immune memory was assessed by orthotopic rechallenging cured mice with the DD-Her2/neu tumor cells.

RESULTS

The combination of TLIF-PTT and FlaB-Vax provided significantly enhanced primary tumor suppression, with strong abscopal effects and long-lasting immune memory. The addition of anti-PD-1 therapy further improved long-term relapse-free survival, highlighting the potential of this combinatorial approach to induce durable antitumor immunity and sustainably prevent cancer recurrence and metastasis.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates that the combination of TLIF-PTT and FlaB-Vax synergistically induced synergistic anti-tumor immune responses, which were efficaciously potentiated by anti-PD-1 treatment for recurrence-free long-term survival.

Near Infrared Biomimetic Hybrid Magnetic Nanocarrier for MRI-Guided Thermal Therapy

Cell-membrane hybrid nanoparticles (NPs) are designed to improve drug delivery, thermal therapy, and immunotherapy for several diseases. Here, we report the development of distinct biomimetic magnetic nanocarriers containing magnetic nanoparticles encapsulated in vesicles and IR780 near-infrared dyes incorporated in the membranes. Distinct cell membranes are investigated, red blood cell (RBC), melanoma (B16F10), and glioblastoma (GL261). Hybrid nanocarriers containing synthetic lipids and a cell membrane are designed. The biomedical applications of several systems are compared. The inorganic nanoparticle consisted of Mn-ferrite nanoparticles with a core diameter of 15 ± 4 nm. TEM images show many multicore nanostructures (∼40 nm), which correlate with the hydrodynamic size. Ultrahigh transverse relaxivity values are reported for the magnetic NPs, 746 mM-1s-1, decreasing respectively to 445 mM-1s-1 and 278 mM-1s-1 for the B16F10 and GL261 hybrid vesicles. The ratio of relaxivities r2/r1 decreased with the higher encapsulation of NPs and increased for the biomimetic liposomes. Therapeutic temperatures are achieved by both, magnetic nanoparticle hyperthermia and photothermal therapy. Photothermal conversion efficiency ∼25-30% are reported. Cell culture revealed lower wrapping times for the biomimetic vesicles. In vivo experiments with distinct routes of nanoparticle administration were investigated. Intratumoral injection proved the nanoparticle-mediated PTT efficiency. MRI and near-infrared images showed that the nanoparticles accumulate in the tumor after intravenous or intraperitoneal administration. Both routes benefit from MRI-guided PTT and demonstrate the multimodal theranostic applications for cancer therapy.

A novel reactive oxygen species nano-amplifier for tumor-targeted photoacoustic imaging and synergistic therapy

Intracellular redox homeostasis and the type of exogenous Fenton reagent play crucial roles in determining the efficacy of chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Herein, we succeeded for the first time in preparing ultrasmall copper sulfide (CuS) nanodots (1-2 nm)-embedded hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticle (HMON), which served as an ideal nanocarrier to load both 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (3-AT) and disulfiram (DSF) after folate-polyethylene glycol-silane (FA-PEG-Silane) modification. The as-prepared nanoplatform (3-AT/DSF@CuS/HMON-FA, denoted as ADCuSi-FA) was found to regulate intracellular redox homeostasis once internalized by 4T1 cells, showing rapid glutathione (GSH)-responsive 3-AT, DSF and Cu+ ions release. Specifically, 3-AT restrained the endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) consumption by suppressing catalase (CAT) activity, thereby augmenting hydroxyl radical (OH) generation via Cu+-based Fenton-like reaction. DSF, upon complexation with Cu2+, exhibited enhanced chemotherapeutic efficacy, while the by-product Cu+ ions further boosted the efficacy of CDT. Additionally, CuS nanodots enabled near-infrared-II (NIR-II) photothermal therapy (PTT) and facilitated photoacoustic (PA) imaging, with the ensuing hyperthermia expediting the CDT process. As expected, the tumor growth was dramatically inhibited with PTT/chemotherapy co-synergized CDT. This work offers an innovative paradigm for cooperative cancer treatment as well as new insights into the fabrication of biodegradable inorganic/organic hybrid materials.

Photothermal amplified multizyme activity for synergistic photothermal-catalytic tumor therapy

Nano-enzymatic catalytic therapy has been widely explored as a promising tumor therapeutic method with specific responsiveness to the tumor microenvironment (TME). However, the inherent lower and simplex catalytic efficiency impairs their anti-tumor efficacy. Therefore, developing novel nanozymes with relatively high and multiple catalytic characteristics, simultaneously enhancing the enzyme-like activity of nanozymes using the proper method, photothermal promoted catalytic property, is a reliable way. In this paper, we report a manganese oxide/nitrogen-doped carbon composite nanoparticles (MnO-N/C NPs) with multi-enzyme mimetic activity and photothermal conversional effect. The peroxidase (POD)-like/oxidase (OXD)-like/catalase (CAT)-like activity of MnO-N/C nanozymes was accelerated upon exposure to an 808 nm NIR laser. In vitro and in vivo results proved that the MnO-N/C NPs shown excellent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided synergistic photothermal-enhanced catalytic treatment and photothermal therapy of liver cancer. The photothermal enhanced multi-enzyme activity maximizes the efficacy of catalytic and photothermal therapy while reducing harm to healthy cells, thereby offering valuable insights for the development of next-generation photothermal nanozymes to enhance tumor therapy.

Targeted Theranostic Nanoprobes Assisted In Vivo NIR-II Fluorescence Imaging-Guided Surgery Therapy for Alveolar Echinococcosis

Alveolar echinococcosis (AE) is a serious parasitic infectious disease that is highly invasive and destructive to the liver and has a high mortality rate. However, currently, there is no effective targeted imaging and treatment method for the precise detection and therapy of AE. We proposed a new two-step targeting strategy (TSTS) for AE based on poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA). We designed and constructed a novel type of ICG@PLGA@Lips nanoprobe with integrated imaging and treatment properties. First, we used the characteristics of PLGA gluconeogenic raw material to target the liver during blood circulation. Then, we utilized the characteristics of PLGA specifically penetrating the AE shell to achieve specific identification of AE in the liver. Under 808 nm laser excitation, ICG@PLGA@Lips effectively achieved accurate imaging of AE based on near-infrared II (NIR-II, 900-1700 nm) fluorescence imaging methods and achieved AE treatment through PDT effects. PLGA improved the optical properties of ICG, while liposomes further improved the biocompatibility of the nanoprobe. As ICG@PLGA@Lips showed strong NIR-II fluorescence emission and good biocompatibility, ICG@PLGA@Lips showed advantages in the specific fluorescence navigation of AE surgical resection lesions. Thus, with the assistance of ICG@PLGA@Lips, we achieved precise targeted and real-time NIR-II fluorescence imaging of AE for the first time. We successfully obtained in vivo NIR-II fluorescence imaging-guided photodynamic/surgical therapy of AE. This TSTS-based AE imaging and treatment exploration provided a new strategy for accurate imaging and treatment of early AE, which is expected to significantly improve the prognosis of patients.

Graphene oxide-enhanced photothermal therapy: laser parameter optimization and temperature modeling for hela cancer cell mortality

Photothermal therapy, in which a laser is an effective tool, is a promising method for cancer treatment. Laser parameters, including power, irradiation time, type of laser radiation (continuous or chopped), and the concentration of the photothermal agent, can affect the efficiency of this method. Therefore, this study investigated and compared the effects of different laser parameters on the efficiency of photothermal treatment for cervical cancer, which is the fourth most prevalent cancer in women. In addition, we investigated the properties of graphene oxide (GO) synthesized as a photothermal agent under laser radiation, and its effectiveness in achieving the desired therapeutic temperature. This study examined and compared the effects of temperature, nanoparticle concentration, irradiation time, and laser power to understand their impact on heat transfer. The toxicity of graphene oxide at different concentrations in HeLa cancer cells was also evaluated. These results demonstrated low toxicity, particularly after 24 h, with approximately 10% toxicity. The study explored mortality under laser irradiation at various powers and time intervals using continuous and chopped beam irradiation. In addition, a model for temperature prediction using a regression tree was presented. Finally, the combined photothermal effects of graphene oxide and laser irradiation were investigated. The MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) test results reveal significant effects, with a mortality rate of 90% in continuous radiation with a concentration of 0.3 mg/ml and 75% in chopped beam irradiation with concentrations of 0.3 and 0.4 mg/ml. A regression tree model was developed to predict temperature changes based on the GO concentration, laser power, and irradiation time, providing valuable insights for optimizing photothermal therapy parameters. Statistical analysis showed that the combined effect of graphene oxide with continuous laser irradiation was more effective than chopped-beam laser irradiation. However, the chopped-beam irradiation method is expected to cause less damage to surrounding tissues. These findings indicate that photothermal therapy with graphene oxide, chopped, and continuous laser irradiation can potently treat HeLa cancer cells and pave the way for further exploration of targeted cancer treatments.

Mild near-infrared laser-triggered photo-immunotherapy potentiates immune checkpoint blockade via an all-in-one theranostic nanoplatform

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.

Triggering multiple modalities of cell death via dual-responsive nanomedicines to address the narrow therapeutic window of β-lapachone

The clinical translation of the anticancer drug β-lapachone (LAP) has been limited by the narrow therapeutic window. Stimuli-responsive anticancer drug delivery systems have gained tremendous attention in recent years to alleviate adverse effects and enhance therapeutic efficacy. Here, we report a dual pH- and enzyme-responsive nanocarrier to address the above issue of LAP. In detail, the epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and ferric ions were employed to engineer nanoscale ferric ion-polyphenol complexes where LAP was physically encapsulated therein. The coordination bond between Fe3+ and the catechol moiety of EGCG was sensitive to the low pH, enabling the triggered cargo release in the acidic endosomes/lysosomes. Afterward, the released LAP was activated by the overexpressed NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) in the tumor cells, followed by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), and the induction of oxidative stress and apoptotic cell death. Meanwhile, EGCG could upregulate gasdermin E (GSDME), and ferric ions were involved in the Fenton reaction. Hence, EGCG and ferric ions could sensitize the toxicity of LAP through the induction of multiple cell death pathways (e.g., pyroptosis, ferroptosis, apoptosis, and necroptosis). The current work enlarged the LAP's therapeutic window via controlled cargo release and vehicle sensitization.

Room-Temperature-Stabilized Alpha Tin Nanocrystals for In Vivo Toxicology Evaluation and Photothermal Therapy Corroborated by FFT Modeling

Herein, we unveil a remarkable finding for synthesizing room-temperature-stable, nontoxic, ultrasmall free-standing diamond cubic tin nanocrystals (α-Sn) with beta forms in the aqueous phase, avoiding conventional approaches that typically use toxic elements or large reactive substrates (Si/InSb) to stabilize α-Sn above 13 °C. Herein, for the first time, we demonstrate the successful synthesis of free-standing alpha tin with extraordinary stability up to 80 °C and in the aqueous phase at room temperature, which was supported by powder X-ray diffraction and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy characterization methods. This synthetic approach eliminates the need to use hazardous materials, bulky substrates, and elevated temperatures, offering a safer, low-cost, and more sustainable alternative. Prepared α-Sn is characterized by extraordinary NIR absorption and a photothermal efficiency of 42.4%, making it a promising photothermal agent for cancer treatment upon shining low-power (0.5 W) 980 nm NIR light using a CW laser. Using fast Fourier transform weighted bright-field imaging, a mathematical model that foretells the behavior of live malignant cells before and after photothermal treatment has been constructed. Additionally, in vivo studies in rats backed by biochemical and histopathological analyses demonstrated no adverse effects on the vital organs of Wister rats. The unusual biocompatibility of the prepared α-Sn nanocrystals is demonstrated by a low hemolysis index (3.28 ± 0.53%) of the blood, which is far below the permissible limits of 5%. Current research unveils the strong potential of free-standing alpha-tin not only in the area of nanomedicine but also in other domains.

Novel ultrathin ferrous sulfide nanosheets: Towards replacing black phosphorus in anticancer nanotheranostics

Biodegradable two-dimensional nanomaterials could be a significant breakthrough in the field of oncology nanotheranostic agents, which are rapidly emerging as promising candidates for tumor theranostic applications. Herein, a novel biodegradable ferrous sulfide nanosheet (FeS NS) is developed. Compared to the traditional photothermal material, black phosphorus nanosheet (BP NS), FeS demonstrates superior degradability and enhanced photothermal performance, and making it ideal for efficient photothermal therapy (PTT) of tumors. In the acidic tumor microenvironment, FeS degrades and releases H2S, which inhibits mitochondrial respiration and ATP production. This process leads to a reduction in heat shock protein expression, lowering the resistance of tumor cells to photothermal stimulation, and improving the efficacy of PTT. The released Fe2+ exhibits efficient peroxidase activity, triggering ferroptosis in tumor cells. Furthermore, due to its superparamagnetic nature, FeS NSs could accumulate at the tumor site and provide a strong magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal for imaging-guided tumor therapy. Overall, as a promising alternative to BP, the FeS NSs are a potentially innovative nanotheranostic agent of tumors, offering a synergistic approach to ferroptosis-PTT with MRI guidance.

Brain-targeting biomimetic disguised manganese dioxide nanoparticles via hybridization of tumor cell membrane and bacteria vesicles for synergistic chemotherapy/chemodynamic therapy of glioma

Glioma is a prevalent brain malignancy associated with poor prognosis. Although chemotherapy serves as the primary treatment for brain tumors, its effectiveness is hindered by the limited ability of drugs to traverse the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and the development of drug resistance linked to tumor hypoxia. Herein, we report the creation of hybrid camouflaged multifunctional nanovesicles comprising membranes of tumor C6 cells (mT) and bacterial outer membrane vesicles (OMVs) and co-loaded with manganese dioxide nanoparticles (MnO2 NPs) and doxorubicin (DOX) to synergistically enhance the chemotherapy/chemodynamic therapy (CDT) of glioma. Owing to OMV-mediated BBB penetration and mT-inherited tumor-homing properties, MnO2-DOX@mT/OMVs can penetrate the BBB and enhance the tumor cell-specific uptake of DOX via "proton sponge effect"-mediated lysosomal escape. This enhances the apoptotic effect induced by DOX and minimizing DOX-associated cardiotoxicity by facilitating the accumulation of DOX at the tumor site. Furthermore, the MnO2 NPs in MnO2-DOX@mT/OMVs can generate potent CDT by accelerating the Fenton-like reaction with DOX-generated H2O2 and achieving glutathione (GSH)-depletion-induced glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) inactivation. These results showed that MnO2-DOX@mT/OMVs, designed for brain tumor targeting, significantly inhibited tumor growth and exhibited favorable biological safety. This innovative approach offers the augmentation of anticancer treatment efficacy via a potential combination of chemotherapy and CDT.

Emerging nitric oxide gas-assisted cancer photothermal treatment

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has garnered significant attention in recent years, but the standalone application of PTT still faces limitations that hinder its ability to achieve optimal therapeutic outcomes. Nitric oxide (NO), being one of the most extensively studied gaseous molecules, presents itself as a promising complementary candidate for PTT. In response, various nanosystems have been developed to enable the simultaneous utilization of PTT and NO-mediated gas therapy (GT), with the integration of photothermal agents (PTAs) and thermally-sensitive NO donors being the prevailing approach. This combination seeks to leverage the synergistic effects of PTT and GT while mitigating the potential risks associated with gas toxicity through the use of a single laser irradiation. Furthermore, additional internal or external stimuli have been employed to trigger NO release when combined with different types of PTAs, thereby further enhancing therapeutic efficacy. This comprehensive review aims to summarize recent advancements in NO gas-assisted cancer photothermal treatment. It commences by providing an overview of various types of NO donors and precursors, including those sensitive to photothermal, light, ultrasound, reactive oxygen species, and glutathione. These NO donors and precursors are discussed in the context of dual-modal PTT/GT. Subsequently, the incorporation of other treatment modalities such as chemotherapy (CHT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), alkyl radical therapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy (IT) in the creation of triple-modal therapeutic nanoplatforms is presented. The review further explores tetra-modal therapies, such as PTT/GT/CHT/PDT, PTT/GT/CHT/chemodynamic therapy (CDT), PTT/GT/PDT/IT, PTT/GT/starvation therapy (ST)/IT, PTT/GT/Ca2+ overload/IT, PTT/GT/ferroptosis (FT)/IT, and PTT/GT/CDT/IT. Finally, potential challenges and future perspectives concerning these novel paradigms are discussed. This comprehensive review is anticipated to serve as a valuable resource for future studies focused on the development of innovative photothermal/NO-based cancer nanotheranostics.

Transition Metal (Molybdenum)-Doped Drug-like Conformational Nanoarchitectonics with Altered Valence States (Mn2+/Mn4+ and Mo5+/Mo6+) for Augmented Cancer Theranostics

Despite the advancements in cancer therapy, delivering active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs) using nanoparticles remains challenging due to the failed conveyance of the required drug payload, poor targeting ability, and poor biodistribution, hampering their clinical translation. Recently, the appropriate design of materials with intrinsic therapeutic functionalities has garnered enormous interest in the development of various intelligent therapeutic nanoplatforms. In this study, we demonstrate the fabrication of transition metal (molybdenum, Mo)-doped manganese dioxide (MnO2) nanoarchitectures, exhibiting diagnostic (magnetic resonance imaging, MRI) and therapeutic (chemodynamic therapy, CDT) functionalities. The facile hydrothermal approach-assisted Mo-doped MnO2 flower-like nanostructures offered tailorable morphologies in altered dimensions, precise therapeutic effects, exceptional biocompatibility, and biodegradability in the tumor microenvironment. The resultant defects due to doped Mo species exhibited peroxidase and oxidase activities, improving glutathione (GSH) oxidation. The two sets of variable valence metal ion pairs (Mn2+/Mn4+ and Mo5+/Mo6+) and their interplay could substantially improve the Fenton-like reaction and generate toxic hydroxyl radicals (•OH), thus achieving CDT-assisted antitumor effects. As inherent T1-MRI agents, these MnO2 nanoparticles displayed excellent MRI efficacy in vitro. Together, we believe that these conformational Mo-doped MnO2 nanoarchitectures with two pairs of variable valence states could potentiate drugless therapy in pharmaceutics.

Renewable hemicellulose-based materials for value-added applications

The importance of renewable resources and environmentally friendly materials has grown globally in recent time. Hemicellulose is renewable lignocellulosic materials that have been the subject of substantial valorisation research. Due to its distinctive benefits, including its wide availability, low cost, renewability, biodegradability, simplicity of chemical modification, etc., it has attracted increasing interest in a number of value-added fields. In this review, a systematic summarizes of the structure, extraction method, and characterization technique for hemicellulose-based materials was carried out. Also, their most current developments in a variety of value-added adsorbents, biomedical, energy-related, 3D-printed materials, sensors, food packaging applications were discussed. Additionally, the most recent challenges and prospects of hemicellulose-based materials are emphasized and examined in-depth. It is anticipated that in the near future, persistent scientific efforts will enable the renewable hemicellulose-based products to achieve practical applications.

Glutathione-responsive biodegradable nanohybrid for cancer photoacoustic imaging and gas-assisted photothermal therapy

Photothermal therapy (PTT), particularly in the near-infrared-II (NIR-II) range, has attracted widespread attention over the past years. However, the accompanied inflammatory responses can result in undesirable side effects and contribute to treatment ineffectiveness. Herein, we introduced a novel biodegradable nanoplatform (CuS/HMON-PEG) capable of PTT and hydrogen sulfide (H2S) generation, aimed at modulating inflammation for improved cancer treatment outcomes. The embedded ultrasmall copper sulphide (CuS) nanodots (1-2 nm) possessed favorable photoacoustic imaging (PAI) and NIR-II photothermal capabilities, rendering CuS/HMON-PEG an ideal phototheranostic agent. Upon internalization by 4T1 cancer cells, the hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticle (HMON) component could react with the overproduced glutathione (GSH) to produce H2S. In addition to the anticipated photothermal tumor ablation and H2S-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, the anti-inflammatory regulation was also been demonstrated by the downregulation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β). More importantly, the modulation of inflammation also promoted wound healing mediated by PTT. This work not only presents a H2S-based nanomodulator to boost NIR-II PTT but also provides insights into the construction of novel organic/inorganic hybrid nanosystems.

Capturing and releasing of hepatocellular carcinoma EpCAM+ and EpCAM- circulating tumor cells based on photosensitive intelligent nanoreactor

Epithelial cell adhesion molecule negative circulating tumor cells (EpCAM- CTCs) and EpCAM positive CTCs (EpCAM + CTCs) have different biological characteristics. Therefore, the isolation of EpCAM + CTCs and EpCAM- CTCs is a new strategy to study the heterogeneity of tumor cells. The azobenzene group (Azo) and cyclodextrin (CD) composite system forms a photosensitive molecular switch based on the effect of external light stimulation. We used the technology of specifically capturing CTCs using anti-EpCAM and aptamers functionalized nanochips. Both anti-EpCAM and aptamers can be connected to Azo through the 1-ethyl-3-(3-dimethylaminopropyl) carbodiimide/N-hydroxysuccinimide (EDC/NHS) modification process. Therefore, we assume that a photosensitive intelligent nanoreactor (PSINR) modified with anti-EpCAM can be used to capture EpCAM + CTCs; Utilizing the characteristics of aptamer and ligand binding, a PSINR modified with aptamer is used to capture EpCAM- CTCs; Then, two PSINRs were separated and stimulated with light to release EpCAM + CTCs and EpCAM- CTCs, respectively. Based on the isolation the EpCAM + CTCs and EpCAM- CTCs, we expected to reveal the key biological mechanisms of tumor recurrence, metastasis and drug resistance, and make the individualized treatment of liver cancer more targeted, safe and effective, and provide a new basis for the final realization of accurate and individualized treatment of tumors.

Current role of magnetic resonance imaging on assessing and monitoring the efficacy of phototherapy

Phototherapy, also known as photobiological therapy, is a non-invasive and highly effective physical treatment method. Its broad use in clinics has led to significant therapeutic results. Phototherapy parameters, such as intensity, wavelength, and duration, can be adjusted to create specific therapeutic effects for various medical conditions. Meanwhile, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), with its diverse imaging sequences and excellent soft-tissue contrast, provides a valuable tool to understand the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of phototherapy. This review explores the clinical applications of commonly used phototherapy techniques, gives a brief overview of how phototherapy impacts different diseases, and examines MRI's role in various phototherapeutic scenarios. We argue that MRI is crucial for precise targeting, treatment monitoring, and prognosis assessment in phototherapy. Future research and applications will focus on personalized diagnosis and monitoring of phototherapy, expanding its applications in treatment and exploring multimodal imaging technology to enhance diagnostic and therapeutic precision and effectiveness.

Metal organic framework-based polymeric hydrogel: A promising drug delivery vehicle for the treatment of breast cancer

The constraints associated with current cancer therapies have inspired scientists to develop advanced, precise, and safe drug delivery methods. These delivery systems boost treatment effectiveness, minimize harm to healthy cells, and combat cancer recurrence. To design advanced drug delivery vehicle with these character, in the present manuscript, we have designed a self-healing and injectable hybrid hydrogel through synergistically interacting metal organic framework, CuBTC with the poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA). This hybrid hydrogel acts as a localized drug delivery system and was used to encapsulate and release the anticancer drug 5-Fluorouracil selectively at the targeted site in response to the physiological pH. The hydrogel was formed through transforming the gaussian coil like matrix of PVA-CuBTC into a three-dimensional network of hydrogel upon the addition of crosslinker; borax. The biocompatible character of the hydrogel was confirmed through cell viability test. The biocompatible hybrid hydrogel then was used to encapsulate and studied for the pH responsive release behavior of the anti-cancer drug, 5-FU. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the drug-loaded hydrogel was evaluated against MCF-7 and HeLa cells. The study confirms that the hybrid hydrogel is effective for targeted and sustained release of anticancer drugs at cancer sites.

A multifunctional biomimetic nanoplatform for image-guideded photothermal-ferroptotic synergistic osteosarcoma therapy

Much effort has been devoted to improving treatment efficiency for osteosarcoma (OS). However, most current approaches result in poor therapeutic responses, thus indicating the need for the development of other therapeutic options. This study developed a multifunctional nanoparticle, PDA-MOF-E-M, an aggregation of OS targeting, programmed death targeting, and near-infrared (NIR)-aided targeting. At the same time, a multifunctional nanoparticle that utilises Fe-MOFs to create a cellular iron-rich environment and erastin as a ferroptosis inducer while ensuring targeted delivery to OS cells through cell membrane encapsulation is presented. The combination of PDA-MOF-E-M and PTT increased intracellular ROS and LPO levels and induced ferroptosis-related protein expression. A PDA-based PTT combined with erastin showed significant synergistic therapeutic improvement in the anti-tumour efficiency of the nanoparticle in vitro and vivo. The multifunctional nanoparticle efficiently prevents the osteoclasia progression of OS xenograft bone tumors in vivo. Finally, this study provides guidance and a point of reference for clinical approaches to treating OS.

Chasing Graphene-Based Anticancer Drugs: Where are We Now on the Biomedical Graphene Roadmap?

Graphene and graphene-based materials have attracted growing interest for potential applications in medicine because of their good biocompatibility, cargo capability and possible surface functionalizations. In parallel, prototypic graphene-based devices have been developed to diagnose, imaging and track tumor growth in cancer patients. There is a growing number of reports on the use of graphene and its functionalized derivatives in the design of innovative drugs delivery systems, photothermal and photodynamic cancer therapy, and as a platform to combine multiple therapies. The aim of this review is to introduce the latest scientific achievements in the field of innovative composite graphene materials as potentially applied in cancer therapy. The "Technology and Innovation Roadmap" published in the Graphene Flagship indicates, that the first anti-cancer drugs using graphene and graphene-derived materials will have appeared on the market by 2030. However, it is necessary to broaden understanding of graphene-based material interactions with cellular metabolism and signaling at the functional level, as well as toxicity. The main aspects of further research should elucidate how treatment methods (e.g., photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, combination therapy) and the physicochemical properties of graphene materials influence their ability to modulate autophagy and kill cancer cells. Interestingly, recent scientific reports also prove that graphene nanocomposites modulate cancer cell death by inducing precise autophagy dysfunctions caused by lysosome damage. It turns out as well that developing photothermal oncological treatments, it should be taken into account that near-infrared-II radiation (1000-1500 nm) is a better option than NIR-I (750-1000 nm) because it can penetrate deeper into tissues due to less scattering at longer wavelengths radiation.

Microfluidic-assisted formulation of cell membrane-camouflaged anisotropic nanostructures

Anisotropic gold (Au) nanostructures have been widely explored for various nanomedicine applications. While these nanomaterials have shown great promise for disease theranostics, particularly for cancer diagnosis and treatment, the utilization and clinical translation of anisotropic Au nanostructures have been limited by their high phagocytic uptake and clearance and low cancer targeting specificity. Numerous efforts have thus been made toward mitigating these challenges. Many conventional strategies, however, rely on all-synthetic materials, involve complex chemical processes, or have low product throughput and reproducibility. Herein, by integrating cell membrane coating and microfluidic technologies, a high-throughput bioinspired approach for synthesizing biomimetic anisotropic Au nanostructures with minimized phagocytic uptake and improved cancer cell targeting is reported. Through continuous hydrodynamic flow focusing, mixing, and sonication, Au nanostructures are encapsulated within the macrophage and cancer cell membrane vesicles effectively. The fabricated nanostructures are uniform and highly stable in serum. Importantly, the macrophage membrane vesicle-encapsulated Au nanostructures can be preferentially internalized by breast cancer cells, but not by macrophages. Overall, this study has demonstrated the feasibility of employing an integrated microfluidic-sonication technique to formulate uniform and highly stable biomimetic anisotropic nanostructures for enhanced cancer theranostic applications.

Novel silicene-mesoporous silica nanoparticles conjugated gemcitabine induced cellular apoptosis via upregulating NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation suppresses pancreatic cancer growthin vitroandin vivo

Pancreatic cancer's high fatality rates stem from its resistance to systemic drug delivery and aggressive metastasis, limiting the efficacy of conventional treatments. In this study, two-dimensional ultrathin silicene nanosheets were initially synthesized and near-infrared-responsive two-dimensional silicene-mesoporous silica nanoparticles (SMSNs) were successfully constructed to load the clinically-approved conventional pancreatic cancer chemotherapeutic drug gemcitabine. Experiments on nanoparticle characterization show that they have excellent photothermal conversion ability and stability. Then silicene-mesoporous silica nanoparticles loaded with gemcitabine nanoparticles (SMSN@G NPs) were employed in localized photothermal therapy to control pancreatic tumor growth and achieve therapeutic effects. Our research confirmed the functionality of SMSN@G NPs through immunoblotting and apoptotic assays, demonstrating its capacity to enhance the nuclear translocation of the NF-κB p65, further affect the protein levels of apoptosis-related genes, induce the apoptosis of tumor cells, and ultimately inhibit the growth of the tumor. Additionally, the study assessed the inhibitory role of SMSN@G NPs on pancreatic neoplasm growthin vivo, revealing its excellent biocompatibility. SMSN@G NPs have a nice application prospect for anti-pancreatic tumors.

Self-healable oxide sodium alginate/carboxymethyl chitosan nanocomposite hydrogel loading Cu2+-doped MOF for enhanced synergistic and precise cancer therapy

The limitations of traditional therapeutic methods such as chemotherapy serious restricted the application in tumor treatment, including poor targeting, toxic side effects and poor precision. It is important to develop non-chemotherapeutic systems to achieve precise and efficient tumor treatment. Therefore, a functional metal-organic framework material (MOF) with porphyrin core and doped with Cu2+ and surface-modified with polydopamine (PDA), namely PCN-224(Cu)@PDA (PCP) was designed and prepared. After loaded into the injectable and self-healable hydrogels by dynamic Schiff base bonding of oxidized sodium alginate (OSA) and carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC), the multifunctional nanocomposite hydrogels were obtained, in which Cu2+ in MOF converts to Cu+ by reacting with glutathione (GSH) which reduces the tumor antioxidant activity to improve the CDT effect. The Cu2+/Cu+ induces Fenton-like reaction in tumor cells to produce a toxic hydroxyl radical (OH). PDA achieves photothermal conversion under NIR light for photothermal therapy (PTT), and porphyrin core as a ligand generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), presenting highly efficient photodynamic therapy (PDT). Injectable self-healing hydrogel as a loading platform can be in situ injected to tumor site to release PCP and endocytosed by tumor cells to achieve precise and synergistic CDT-PDT-PTT therapy.

Nanocarriers in topical photodynamic therapy

INTRODUCTION

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has gained significant attention due to its superiority over conventional treatments. In the context of skin cancers and nonmalignant skin diseases, topical application of photosensitizer formulations onto affected skin, followed by illumination, offers distinct advantages. Topical PDT simplifies therapy by providing easy access to the skin, increasing drug concentration within the target area, and confining residual photosensitivity to the treated skin. However, the effectiveness of topical PDT is often hindered by challenges such as limited skin penetration or photosensitizer instability. Additionally, the hypoxic tumor environment poses further limitations. Nanocarriers present a promising solution to address these challenges.

AREAS COVERED

The objective of this review is to comprehensively explore and highlight the role of various nanocarriers in advancing topical PDT for the treatment of skin diseases. The primary focus is to address the challenges associated with conventional topical PDT approaches and demonstrate how nanotechnology-based strategies can overcome these challenges, thereby improving the overall efficiency and efficacy of PDT.

EXPERT OPINION

Nanotechnology has revolutionized the field of PDT, offering innovative tools to combat the unfavorable features of photosensitizers and hurdles in PDT. Nanocarriers enhance skin penetration and stability of photosensitizers, provide controlled drug release, reduce needed dose, increase production of reactive oxygen species, while reducing side effects, thereby improving PDT effectiveness.

Phototherapy techniques for the management of musculoskeletal disorders: strategies and recent advances

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs), which include a range of pathologies affecting bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons, and ligaments, account for a significant portion of the global burden of disease. While pharmaceutical and surgical interventions represent conventional approaches for treating MSDs, their efficacy is constrained and frequently accompanied by adverse reactions. Considering the rising incidence of MSDs, there is an urgent demand for effective treatment modalities to alter the current landscape. Phototherapy, as a controllable and non-invasive technique, has been shown to directly regulate bone, cartilage, and muscle regeneration by modulating cellular behavior. Moreover, phototherapy presents controlled ablation of tumor cells, bacteria, and aberrantly activated inflammatory cells, demonstrating therapeutic potential in conditions such as bone tumors, bone infection, and arthritis. By constructing light-responsive nanosystems, controlled drug delivery can be achieved to enable precise treatment of MSDs. Notably, various phototherapy nanoplatforms with integrated imaging capabilities have been utilized for early diagnosis, guided therapy, and prognostic assessment of MSDs, further improving the management of these disorders. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the strategies and recent advances in the application of phototherapy for the treatment of MSDs, discusses the challenges and prospects of phototherapy, and aims to promote further research and application of phototherapy techniques.

Lipid-Polymer Hybrid Nanoparticles with Both PD-L1 Knockdown and Mild Photothermal Effect for Tumor Photothermal Immunotherapy

In developing countries, the incidence of colorectal cancer (CRC) is on the rise. The combination of programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1) siRNA (siPD-L1) and mild photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising strategy for CRC treatment. In this study, dopamine-modified polyethylenimine (PEI) was prepared to fabricate an IR780 and siPD-L1 codelivery lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticle (lip@PSD-siP) for the photothermal immunotherapy of CRC. The modification of dopamine can significantly reduce the cytotoxicity of PEI. lip@PSD-siP can be effectively taken up by CT26 cells and successfully escaped from lysosomes after entering the cells for 4 h. After CT26 cells were transfected with lip@PSD-siP, the PD-L1 positive cell rate decreased by 82.4%, and its PD-L1 knockdown effect was significantly stronger than the positive control Lipo3000-siP. In vivo studies showed that lip@PSD-siP-mediated mild PTT and efficient PD-L1 knockdown exhibited primary and distal tumor inhibition, metastasis delay, and rechallenged tumor inhibition. The treatment with lip@PSD-siP significantly promoted the maturation of dendritic cells in lymph nodes. The amount of T cell infiltration in the tumor tissues increased significantly, and the frequency of CD8+ T cells and CD4+ T cells was significantly higher than that of other groups. The percentage of immunosuppressive regulatory cells (Tregs) in the tumor tissue on the treatment side decreased by 88% compared to the PBS group, and the proportion of CD8+CD69+ T cells in the distal tumor tissue was 2.8 times that of the PBS group. The memory T cells of mice in the long-term antitumor model were analyzed. The results showed that after treatment with lip@PSD-siP, the frequency of effector memory T cells (Tem cells) significantly increased, suggesting the formation of immune memory.

Graphene-Based Nanomaterials for Photothermal Therapy in Cancer Treatment

Graphene-based nanomaterials (GBNMs), specifically graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO), have shown great potential in cancer therapy owing to their physicochemical properties. As GO and rGO strongly absorb light in the near-infrared (NIR) region, they are useful in photothermal therapy (PTT) for cancer treatment. However, despite the structural similarities of GO and rGO, they exhibit different influences on anticancer treatment due to their different photothermal capacities. In this review, various characterization techniques used to compare the structural features of GO and rGO are first outlined. Then, a comprehensive summary and discussion of the applicability of GBNMs in the context of PTT for diverse cancer types are presented. This discussion includes the integration of PTT with secondary therapeutic strategies, with a particular focus on the photothermal capacity achieved through near-infrared irradiation parameters and the modifications implemented. Furthermore, a dedicated section is devoted to studies on hybrid magnetic-GBNMs. Finally, the challenges and prospects associated with the utilization of GBNM in PTT, with a primary emphasis on the potential for clinical translation, are addressed.

Antibacterial PLA/Mg composite with enhanced mechanical and biological performance for biodegradable orthopedic implants

Biodegradability, bone-healing rate, and prevention of bacterial infection are critical factors for orthopedic implants. Polylactic acid (PLA) is a good candidate biodegradable material; however, it has insufficient mechanical strength and bioactivity for orthopedic implants. Magnesium (Mg), has good bioactivity, biodegradability, and sufficient mechanical properties, similar to that of bone. Moreover, Mg has an inherent antibacterial property via a photothermal effect, which generates localized heat, thus preventing bacterial infection. Therefore, Mg is a good candidate material for PLA composites, to improve their mechanical and biological performance and add an antibacterial property. Herein, we fabricated an antibacterial PLA/Mg composite for enhanced mechanical and biological performance with an antibacterial property for application as biodegradable orthopedic implants. The composite was fabricated with 15 and 30 vol% of Mg homogeneously dispersed in PLA without the generation of a defect using a high-shear mixer. The composites exhibited an enhanced compressive strength of 107.3 and 93.2 MPa, and stiffness of 2.3 and 2.5 GPa, respectively, compared with those of pure PLA which were 68.8 MPa and 1.6 GPa, respectively. Moreover, the PLA/Mg composite at 15 vol% Mg exhibited significant improvement of biological performance in terms of enhanced initial cell attachment and cell proliferation, whereas the composite at 30 vol% Mg showed deteriorated cell proliferation and differentiation because of the rapid degradation of the Mg particles. In turn, the PLA/Mg composites exerted an antibacterial effect based on the inherent antibacterial property of Mg as well as the photothermal effect induced by near-infrared (NIR) treatment, which can minimize infection after implantation surgery. Therefore, antibacterial PLA/Mg composites with enhanced mechanical and biological performance may be a candidate material with great potential for biodegradable orthopedic implants.

Tumor Cell Targeting and Responsive Nanoplatform for Multimodal-Imaging Guided Chemodynamic/Photodynamic/Photothermal Therapy toward Triple Negative Breast Cancer

Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of breast cancer, with ineffective treatment and poor prognosis. It is in great demand to develop a novel theranostic strategy for accurate diagnosis and targeted treatment of TNBC. In the present study, one nanoplatform (HA-ICG-Fe-PDA), endowed with multimodal imaging-guided chemodynamic/photodynamic/photothermal (CDT/PDT/PTT) synergistic therapy capacity toward TNBC, was innovatively constructed. The nanoplatform was prepared by covalently conjugating ICG-decorated hyaluronic acid (HA) on Fe³⁺-chelated polydopamine (PDA). HA facilitated the targeting and accumulating of the nanoplatform in tumor tissue and cells of TNBC, thus producing enhanced magnetic resonance signal. Upon entering into TNBC cells, the intracellular hyaluronidase-catalyzed cleavage of HA-ICG-Fe-PDA activated the prequenched near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence signal, allowing for the activatable NIR fluorescence imaging. On the other hand, Fe³⁺ in the nanoplatform could be reduced to reactive Fe²⁺ in tumor microenvironment, guaranteeing efficient Fenton reaction-mediated CDT. The combination of ICG with Fe-PDA enhanced the NIR absorption of the nanoplatform so that considerable PTT/PDT and photothermal imaging were achieved under 808 nm laser irradiation. In vitro and in vivo experiments have verified that the proposed nanoplatform integrates the potential of TNBC-targeting, precise NIR fluorescence/magnetic resonance/photothermal trimodal imaging, efficient treatment via synergistic CDT/PDT/PTT, as well as excellent biocompatibility. Therefore, this multifunctional nanoplatform provides a simple and versatile strategy for imaging-guided theranostics of TNBC.

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs): emerging biomaterials for cancer theragnostic applications

Cancer is a disease caused by abnormal cell growth that spreads through other parts of the body and threatens life by destroying healthy tissues. Therefore, numerous techniques have been employed not only to diagnose and monitor the progress of cancer in a precise manner but also to develop appropriate therapeutic agents with enhanced efficacy and safety profiles. In this regard, molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), synthetic receptors that recognize targeted molecules with high affinity and selectivity, have been intensively investigated as one of the most attractive biomaterials for theragnostic approaches. This review describes diverse synthesis strategies to provide the rationale behind these synthetic antibodies and provides a selective overview of the recent progress in the in vitro and in vivo targeting of cancer biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic applications. Taken together, the topics discussed in this review provide concise guidelines for the development of novel MIP-based systems to diagnose cancer more precisely and promote successful treatment. Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs), synthetic receptors that recognize targeted molecules with high affinity and selectivity, have been intensively investigated as one of the most attractive biomaterials for cancer theragnostic approaches. This review describes diverse synthesis strategies to provide the rationale behind these synthetic antibodies and provides a selective overview of the recent progress in the in vitro and in vivo targeting of cancer biomarkers for diagnosis and therapeutic applications. The topics discussed in this review aim to provide concise guidelines for the development of novel MIP-based systems to diagnose cancer more precisely and promote successful treatment.

A tunable fluorescent probe for superoxide anion detection during inflammation caused by Treponema pallidum

Syphilis, caused by Treponema pallidum (T. pallidum), is associated with the oxidative stress due to its inflammation-like symptom, and detecting the reactive oxygen species (ROS) is crucial for monitoring the infectious process. Herein, we design and synthesize a perylene-based tunable fluorescent probe, PerqdOH, which can detect endogenous O₂˙^- during T. pallidum infection. The fluorescence peak shifted from 540 nm to 750 nm with increasing O₂˙^- levels. Besides, both decreased green fluorescence and enhanced red fluorescence could be observed simultaneously during the in vitro infection, providing the real-time monitoring of intracellular O₂˙^- caused by T. pallidum. Furthermore, the probe exhibited a remarkable signal in the treponemal lesions on the back of a rabbit model. Taken together, our synthesized PerqdOH holds great potential for application in clarifying the infectious process caused by T. pallidum in real time.

Recent progress in covalent organic frameworks for cancer therapy

Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) have gained tremendous interest in cancer therapy owing to their multifunctional properties, such as biocompatibility, tunable cavities, excellent crystallinity, ease of modification/functionalization, and high flexibility. These unique properties offer multiple benefits, such as high loading capacity, prevention from premature leakage, targeted delivery to the tumor microenvironment (TME), and release of therapeutic agents in a controlled manner, which makes them effective and excellent nanoplatforms for cancer therapeutics. In this review, we outline recent advances in using COFs as delivery system for chemotherapeutic agents, photodynamic therapy (PDT), photothermal therapy (PTT), sonodynamic therapy (SDT), cancer diagnostics, and combinatorial therapy for cancer therapeutics. We also summarize current challenges and future directions of this unique research field. Teaser: This review highlights recent advances in covalent organic frameworks as multifaceted nanoplatform with recent case studies for improving therapeutic outcomes for cancer therapeutics.

Recent Advances in Photoacoustic Agents for Theranostic Applications

Photoacoustic agents are widely used in various theranostic applications. By evaluating the biodistribution obtained from photoacoustic images, the effectiveness of theranostic agents in terms of their delivery efficiency and treatment responses can be analyzed. Through this study, we evaluate and summarize the recent advances in photoacoustic-guided phototherapy, particularly in photothermal and photodynamic therapy. This overview can guide the future directions for theranostic development. Because of the recent applications of photoacoustic imaging in clinical trials, theranostic agents with photoacoustic monitoring have the potential to be translated into the clinical world.

Innovative nanotheranostics: Smart nanoparticles based approach to overcome breast cancer stem cells mediated chemo- and radioresistances

The alarming increase in the number of breast cancer patients worldwide and the increasing death rate indicate that the traditional and current medicines are insufficient to fight against it. The onset of chemo- and radioresistances and cancer stem cell-based recurrence make this problem harder, and this hour needs a novel treatment approach. Competent nanoparticle-based accurate drug delivery and cancer nanotheranostics like photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, chemodynamic therapy, and sonodynamic therapy can be the key to solving this problem due to their unique characteristics. These innovative formulations can be a better cargo with fewer side effects than the standard chemotherapy and can eliminate the stability problems associated with cancer immunotherapy. The nanotheranostic systems can kill the tumor cells and the resistant breast cancer stem cells by novel mechanisms like local hyperthermia and reactive oxygen species and prevent tumor recurrence. These theranostic systems can also combine with chemotherapy or immunotherapy approaches. These combining approaches can be the future of anticancer therapy, especially to overcome the breast cancer stem cells mediated chemo- and radioresistances. This review paper discusses several novel theranostic systems and smart nanoparticles, their mechanism of action, and their modifications with time. It explains their relevance and market scope in the current era. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease.

AFM imaging of immobilized fibronectin: does the surface conjugation scheme affect the protein orientation/conformation?

Covalent grafting of biomolecules could potentially improve the biocompatibility of materials. However, these molecules have to be grafted in an active conformation to play their biological roles. The present work aims at verifying if the surface conjugation scheme of fibronectin (FN) affects the protein orientation/conformation and activity. FN was grafted onto plasma-treated fused silica using two different crosslinkers, glutaric anhydride (GA) or sulfosuccinimidyl 4-(p-maleimidophenyl)butyrate (SMPB). Fused silica was chosen as a model surface material because it presents a roughness well below the dimensions of FN, therefore allowing AFM analyses with appropriate depth resolution. Cell adhesion assays were performed to evaluate the bioactivity of grafted FN. Cell adhesion was found to be higher on GA-FN than on SMPB-FN. Since FN-radiolabeling assays allowed us to rule out a surface concentration effect (approximately 80 ng/cm2 of FN on both crosslinkers), it was hypothesized that FN adopted a more active conformation when grafted via GA. In this context, the FN conformation on both crosslinkers was investigated through AFM and contact angle analyses. Before FN grafting, GA- and SMPB-modified surfaces had a similar water contact angle, topography, and roughness. However, water contact angles of GA-FN and SMPB-FN surfaces clearly show differences in surface hydrophilicity, therefore indicating a dependence of protein organization toward the conjugation strategy. Furthermore, AFM results demonstrated that surface topography and roughness of both FN-conjugated surfaces were significantly different. Distribution analysis of FN height and diameter confirmed this observation as the protein dimensions were significantly larger on GA than SMPB. This study confirmed that the covalent immobilization scheme of biomolecules influences their conformation and, hence, their activity. Consequently, selecting the appropriate conjugation strategy is of paramount importance in retaining molecule bioactivity.