Near-infrared light-activated self-luminescing nanoplatform mediated synergistic photothermal-photodynamic tumor therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) represents an exceptionally hopeful approach for cancer therapy, with two primary factors influencing its therapeutic effectiveness are the light source and the oxygen source. Because of the shallow depth of tissue penetration by visible light and the low oxygen conditions present in the hypoxia tumor microenvironment, the therapeutic outcomes are often suboptimal. To tackle this issue, This study created an innovative photodynamic drug delivery system that simultaneously achieves self-luminescence and oxygen self-supply, thereby enhancing the PDT efficacy. The system PBNCs@Vc@Luminol in this study utilizes hollow Prussian blue nanocubes (PBNCs) as the main structure, loaded with the hydrogen peroxide trigger agent (vitamin C, Vc) and the intracellular chemiluminescent agent (luminol). PBNCs@Vc@Luminol nanoparticles demonstrate superior efficiency in converting near-infrared (NIR) light to heat for in vivo photothermal tumor therapy (PTT). Additionally, they can induce luminol chemiluminescence (CL) at the tumor site in situ, which is absorbed by PBNCs via chemiluminescence resonance energy transfer (CRET), sensitizing molecular oxygen (O 2 ) triggered by Vc to produce adequate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for PDT. Experimental studies conducted demonstrated that PBNCs@Vc@Luminol nanocomposites exhibit excellent anti-tumor effects both in vitro and in vivo , facilitating the combined effects of PTT and PDT with the assistance of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), thereby achieving real-time monitoring and efficient treatment of tumors.