Biodegradable π-Conjugated Oligomer Nanoparticles with High Photothermal Conversion Efficiency for Cancer Theranostics

We developed a biodegradable photothermal therapeutic (PTT) agent, pi-conjugated oligomer nanoparticles (F8 -PEG NPs), for highly efficient cancer theranostics. By exploiting an oligomer with excellent nearinfrared (NIR) absorption, the nanoparticles show a high photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) up to 82%, surpassing those of reported inorganic and organic PTT agents. In addition, the oligomer nanoparticles show excellent photostability and good biodegradability. The F8 -PEG NPs are also demonstrated to have excellent biosafety and PTT efficacy both in vitro and in vivo. This contribution not only proposes a promising oligomer-based PTT agent but also provides insight into developing highly efficient nanomaterials for cancer theranostics.