FeNC with atomically dispersed iron atoms as a photosensitizer for combined photodynamic and photothermal therapy

This research explores the efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) in combating chemotherapy-resistant diseases. This study focuses on enhancing tumor treatment effectiveness by leveraging the synergetic effects of combining PDT and PTT through the development of Fe-nitrogen-carbon (FeNC) nanoparticles with superior photostability. These nanoparticles, functioning as photosensitizers for the combined PDT/PTT treatment, can generate both type I and type II ROS and heat upon 808 nm irradiation. Notably, the FeNC nanoparticles demonstrate an exceptional photothermal conversion efficiency (34 %), surpassing commonly used PTT photosensitizers. In vitro and in vivo experiments corroborate the efficiency of FeNC as a photosensitizer in achieving significant tumor inhibition. In conclusion, the FeNC nanoparticles present promising applicability in the synergistic PTT/PDT treatment of tumors.