Self-sacrificial template-induced modulation of conjugated microporous polymer microcapsules and shape-dependent enhanced photothermal efficiency for ablation of cancer cells

The one-step synthesis of nanoscale conjugated microporous polymer (NCMP) capsules is presented by using PMAA microspheres as self-sacrificial templates. Precise control over the morphology, nanostructure and shell thickness makes the NCMPs have a tunable NIR absorption ability and a shape-dependent photothermal conversion efficiency. Upon exposure to 808 nm light, they rapidly generate heat (NCMP concentration: 100 mu g mL(-1)) and cause thermal ablation of HeLa cells with less than 10% viability.