Gallium-based liquid metal micro/nanoparticles for photothermal cancer therapy

Gallium-based liquid metals have attracted significant interest in the biomedical field due to their unique properties such as low viscosity, good fluidity, high thermal/electrical conductivity, and good biocompat-ibility. Meanwhile, photothermal therapy has made great development in the field of antitumor with its advantages of low adverse effects, high specificity, and repeatable treatment. The photothermal capabil-ity possessed by gallium-based liquid metals makes them show unparalleled advantages in photothermal therapy. Liquid metal-based photothermal therapy has progressed in recent years and can perform a vital role in accurate and noninvasive antitumor therapy. Herein, a review of the major preparation methods of liquid metal micro/nanoparticles, the mechanism of liquid metal photothermal conversion, and discus-sions on the factors affecting the photothermal properties of liquid metals are presented. The biological applications of liquid metal photothermal therapy in synergy with other therapies are discussed, as well as the current challenges and opportunities for the clinical translation of liquid metals in biomedical ap-plications.(c) 2022 Published by Elsevier Ltd on behalf of The editorial office of Journal of Materials Science & Technology.

Automated summary

Gallium-based liquid metals have unique properties that have attracted significant interest in the biomedical field. Photothermal therapy has shown great development in antitumor treatment and the photothermal capability of gallium-based liquid metals provides unparalleled advantages. This review presents the major preparation methods of liquid metal micro/nanoparticles, the mechanism of liquid metal photothermal conversion, and discusses the factors affecting the photothermal properties of liquid metals. The biological applications, challenges, and opportunities for the clinical translation of liquid metals in biomedical applications are also discussed.