H2O2-Responsive NIR-II AIE Nanobomb for Carbon Monoxide Boosting Low-Temperature Photothermal Therapy

Low-temperature photothermal therapy (PTT), which circumvents the limitations of conventional PTT (e.g., thermotolerance and adverse effects), is an emerging therapeutic strategy which shows great potential for future clinical applications. The expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) can dramatically impair the therapeutic efficacy of PTT. Thus, inhibition of HSPs repair and reducing the damage of nearby normal cells is crucial for improving the efficiency of low-temperature PTT. Herein, we developed a nanobomb based on the self-assembly of NIRII AIE polymer PBPTV and carbon monoxide (CO) carrier polymer mPEG(CO). This smart nanobomb can be exploded in a tumor microenvironment in which hydrogen peroxide is overexpressed and release CO into cancer cells to significantly inhibit the expression of HSPs and hence improve the antitumor efficiency of the low-temperature PTT.

Automated summary

Low-temperature photothermal therapy (PTT) is a promising therapeutic strategy, but the expression of heat shock proteins (HSPs) can hinder its efficacy. Researchers have developed a smart nanobomb that can explode in the tumor microenvironment and release carbon monoxide (CO) to inhibit the expression of HSPs, thereby improving the effectiveness of low-temperature PTT.