Electrospun Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) Nanofiber Scaffolds Functionalized by Aggregation-Induced Emission Luminogens for Second Near-Infrared Imaging-Guided Photothermal Therapy of Residual Tumors

Solid tumors are susceptible to recurrence due to residual cells persisting postresection, with surgical margin residues posing particular significance. Current adjuvant therapies for preventing recurrence often lack specific targeting capability for the surgical wound site and require repeated administrations, leading to suboptimal efficacy and systemic side effects. In this study, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) composite nanofibers embedded with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) luminogens were fabricated via electrospinning. This technique harnesses aggregation-enhanced fluorescence, which could produce second near-infrared (NIR-II) fluorescence and enable photothermal therapy. When implanted at resection sites as a biodegradable patch, the system enables repeated NIR-II fluorescence-guided photothermal treatments, eradicating residual microtumors and thereby reducing recurrence risk. This “single-implant multitherapy” strategy provides a novel approach to postoperative management.