A smart all-in-one theranostic platform for CT imaging guided tumor microwave thermotherapy based on IL@ZrO2 nanoparticles

This study develops a simple hollow ZrO2 nanostructure as a carrier to encapsulate ionic liquid (IL), which integrates the CT imaging function of the ZrO2 shell and the microwave susceptibility function of the IL core. The simple nanostructure can be used as a multifunctional theranostic agent via combining diagnostic and therapeutic modalities into one package. Based on the microwave susceptibility properties, the tumor inhibiting ratio can be over 90% in mice models after one-time thermal therapy upon microwave irradiation. In vitro and in vivo imaging results prove the potential of CT imaging application for real-time monitoring of biodistribution and metabolic processes, and assessing therapeutic outcomes. To our best knowledge, our study is the first example to achieve CT imaging and microwave thermal therapy simultaneously through a simple nanostructure. We anticipate that the simple IL@ZrO2 nanostructure may build a useful platform for the clinical imaging guided therapy of tumors.