Laser Irradiation Research Articles

Photoimmunotherapy using indocyanine green-loaded Codium fragile polysaccharide and chitosan nanoparticles suppresses tumor growth and metastasis

Metastasis and recurrence are the main challenges in cancer treatment. Among various therapeutic approaches, immunotherapy holds promise for preventing metastasis and recurrence. In this study, we evaluated the efficacy of treating primary cancer and blocking metastasis and recurrence with photo-immunotherapeutic nanoparticles, which were synthesized using two types of charged polysaccharides. Codium fragile polysaccharide (CFP), which exhibits immune-stimulating properties and carries a negative charge, was combined with positively charged chitosan to synthesize nanoparticles. Additionally, indocyanine green (ICG), a photosensitizer, was loaded inside these particles and was referred to as chitosan-CFP-ICG (CC-ICG). Murine colon cancer cells (CT-26) internalized CC-ICG, and subsequent 808-nanometer laser irradiation promoted apoptotic/necrotic cell death. Moreover, intratumoral injection of CC-ICG, with 808-nanometer laser irradiation eliminated CT-26 tumors in mice. Rechallenged lung metastases of CT-26 cancer were inhibited by dendritic cell activation-mediated cytotoxic T lymphocyte stimulation in mice cured by CC-ICG. These results demonstrated that CC-ICG is a natural tumor therapeutic with the potential to treat primary tumors and suppress metastasis and recurrence.

Photothermally enhanced antibacterial wound healing using albumin-loaded tanshinone IIA and IR780 nanoparticles.

Chronic and infected wounds, particularly those caused by bacterial infections, present significant challenges in medical treatment. This study aimed to develop a novel nanoparticle formulation to enhance wound healing by combining antimicrobial and photothermal therapy using albumin as a carrier for Tanshinone IIA and the near-infrared photothermal agent IR780. The nanoparticles were synthesized to exploit the antimicrobial effects of Tanshinone IIA and the photothermal properties of IR780 when exposed to near-infrared laser irradiation. Characterization of the nanoparticles was performed using Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM) and spectroscopic analysis to confirm their successful synthesis. In vitro antibacterial activity was evaluated using cultures of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), and in vivo efficacy was tested in a mouse model of MRSA-infected wounds. Wound healing progression was assessed over 16days, with statistical analysis performed using two-way ANOVA followed by Tukey's post-hoc test. The nanoparticles demonstrated significant photothermal properties, enhancing bacterial eradication and promoting the controlled release of Tanshinone IIA. In vitro studies showed superior antibacterial activity, especially under photothermal activation, leading to a substantial reduction in bacterial viability in MRSA cultures. In vivo, nanoparticle treatment combined with near-infrared laser irradiation significantly improved wound closure rates compared to controls and treatments without photothermal activation. By the 16th day post-treatment, significant improvements in wound healing were observed, highlighting the potential of the combined photothermal and pharmacological approach. These findings suggest that albumin-loaded nanoparticles containing Tanshinone IIA and IR780, activated by near-infrared light, could offer an effective therapeutic strategy for managing chronic and infected wounds, promoting both infection control and tissue repair.

Multifunctional hyaluronic acid ligand-assisted construction of CD44- and mitochondria-targeted self-assembled upconversion nanoparticles for enhanced photodynamic therapy.

Upconversion nanoparticles (UCNPs) have been used as a potential nanocarrier for photosensitizers (PSs), which have demonstrated a great deal of promise in achieving an effective photodynamic therapy (PDT) for deep-seated tumors. However, overcoming biological barriers to achieve mitochondria-targeted PDT remains a major challenge. Herein, CD44- and mitochondria-targeted photodynamic nanosystems were fabricated through the self-assembly of hyaluronic acid-conjugated-methoxy poly(ethylene glycol)-diethylenetriamine-grafted-(chlorin e6-dihydrolipoic acid-(3-carboxypropyl)triphenylphosphine bromide) polymeric ligands (HA-c-mPEG-Deta-g-(Ce6-DHLA-TPP)) and NaErF4:Tm@NaYF4 core-shell UCNPs (termed CMPNs). The CMPNs presented ideal physiological stability, a good drug loading capacity and an improved capacity for the generation of singlet oxygen (1O2) based on the FRET mechanism. Significantly, confocal images revealed that CMPNs not only facilitated cellular uptake through CD44-receptor-targeted endocytosis, subsequently enabling rapid evasion from endo-lysosomal sequestration, but also specifically targeted mitochondria, ultimately inducing a profound disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential, which triggered apoptosis upon laser irradiation, thereby significantly enhancing the therapeutic effect. Furthermore, in vitro antitumor experiments further confirmed the substantial enhancement in cancer cell killing efficiency achieved by treating with CMPNs upon near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. This innovative approach holds promise for the development of NIR-laser-activated photodynamic nanoagents specifically designed for mitochondria-targeted PDT, thus addressing the limitations of the current PDT treatments.

The Stability of Manganese Oxides Under Laser Irradiation During Raman Analyses: I. Compact Versus Channel Structures

ABSTRACTManganese oxides/oxyhydroxides (MnOx) are based on Mnn+O6 and Mnn+O4 polyhedra arranged such as to form compact, channel or layered structures. In geology, they are precious archives of past redox conditions for palaeoclimatic reconstructions; in material sciences, they are used for a variety of applications, from pigments to environmental remediation and energy storage. Thus, the fast, remote and non‐destructive identification of MnOx is critical in several disciplines. Micro‐Raman spectroscopy is often used for this purpose, although a systematic characterization of their stability under the laser beam is still lacking. In this work, we present our results on the behaviour of the most common MnOx having compact and channel structures when a 532‐nm laser with intensity between ~23 μW/μm2 and ~36.8 mW/μm2 is used. The compact structures of manganosite (NaCl‐like) and hausmannite (spinel‐like) are stable up to ~36.8 mW/μm2. The stability of oxides with channel structures depends on channel size, charge of channel cations and valence state of Mn. Hausmannite is the final degradation product of all MnOx with channel structures, irrespective of the starting phase. Pyrolusite, manganite, hollandite and romanéchite are relatively stable under the laser beam, and the transition to the spinel structure occurs above 2.5 mW/μm2 while the degradation of cryptomelane and todorokite starts ~226 μW/μm2. The analysis of MnOx thus needs very accurate experimental conditions to avoid misleading and incorrect phase identifications. Based on our data, we propose an analytical protocol for a proper characterization of these minerals via Raman spectroscopy.

Clinical Improvement and P63-Deficiency Correction in OLP Patients After Photobiomodulation

Background: Oral lichen planus (OLP) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with the formation of symptomatic lesions in the mouth. P63 is essential for epidermal development and regeneration. Weak expression of this protein has been shown in OLP lesions. Photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy has been reported to reduce OLP symptoms, but its ability to correct the molecular perturbations of the disease has not been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of PBM in OLP treatment by evaluating changes in p63 expression and their association with clinical response. Methods: Twenty OLP patients underwent PBM with a diode laser (810 nm), (0.50 W, 30 s, 1.2 J/cm2), 3 times weekly for a month. The treatment efficacy index (EI) was calculated based on pain-level values and clinical scores of lesions before and after therapy. Biopsies were taken before and after therapy, analyzed immunohistochemically for p63 expression, and compared with 10 healthy controls. Results: P63 levels in OLP lesions were significantly lower than those in normal oral mucosa. After treatment, the pain level and clinical scores of the lesions decreased significantly. The calculated EI showed PBM effectiveness in 90% of cases. Increased p63 positivity and staining intensity were observed after therapy. Conclusions: The established p63 deficiency in OLP lesions is likely an important molecular mechanism in the pathogenesis of the disease. Laser irradiation at 810 nm increased p63 expression to a level close to that found in the healthy epithelium and significantly improved the symptoms and clinical signs of OLP. All of this determines the effectiveness of PBM therapy in the management of OLP.

Diode Laser Irradiation Effects on Physical Properties of Titanium Dioxide Nano Fillers Doped Polyvinyl Alcohol Films

Study effect of diode laser (wavelength 650 nm) irradiation for different irradiant times (0.25, 0.5, 1.00, 3.00, and 4.00 hrs) on the physical properties of titanium dioxide (TiO2) possess particle size of 15.7 nm doped polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) films were experimentally investigated. The solution casting process has been utilized to create as-prepared TiO2/PVA nanocomposite films. Ultraviolet-Visible (UV-Vis) spectroscopy investigates the samples' optical characteristics by analyzing optical absorption spectra in a wavelength range of (200 - 900 nm) at room temperature (RT) of 300 K. The PVA matrix could be used to describe the influence. All optical constants produced artificially through laser radiation, like absorption, refraction index, extinction coefficient and complex dielectric constants, have decreased with increasing radiation times. On the contrary of optical energy gap they increased with increasing radiation times, according to the study's findings. TiO2 Nanoparticles (NPs) additions significantly impacted the PVA host's optical characteristics. When FTIR-spectrum regarding the TiO2/PVA nanocomposite films was examined in various ratios of irradiation times, the peak positions or bonds did not change; instead, they became smaller or larger as the irradiation time increased.

Quenching high-temperature phase in Cu–Sn alloy system by femtosecond and picosecond laser irradiation

Quenching high-temperature phase in Cu–Sn alloy system by femtosecond and picosecond laser irradiation

Neuron-Inspired Flexible Phase Change Materials for Ambient Energy Harvesting and Respiration Monitoring.

The global energy crisis and climate change pose unprecedented challenges. Wearable devices with personal thermoregulation and energy harvesting hold great promise for achieving energy savings and human thermal comfort. Here, inspired by neurons, a novel phase change material (PCM) is reported for efficient energy harvesting and respiratory monitoring via a self-assembly strategy. The use of gum arabic (GA) enabled the encapsulation of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and the targeted distribution of carboxylated multi-walled carbon nanotubes (cMWCNTs) simultaneously in poly (ethylene vinyl acetate) (EVA) matrix. The material exhibits an outstanding toughness value of 14.88MJ m-3 and high elongation at a break of 565.67%, exhibiting remarkable flexibility. The material with sufficient melting enthalpy (71.11 J g-1) demonstrates high photothermal conversion efficiency (95.27%) under 808nm laser irradiation (105mW cm-2). In addition, due to the synergistic effect of GA and PEG, especially the formation of microdome structures on the surface, the material demonstrates ultrasensitive humidity responsiveness for respiratory monitoring with high precision, excellent repeatability, and fast response/recovery time (50.4/50.5ms). Notably, it shows great potential for moisture-electric generators (MEGs) with the function of non-contact sensing. This material opens the path toward next-generation wearable devices in energy conversion and health monitoring.

Co-delivery of polyphyllin II and IR780 PLGA nanoparticles induced pyroptosis combined with photothermal to enhance hepatocellular carcinoma immunotherapy.

The clinical efficacy of immunotherapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is significantly limited by the low immunogenicity of the tumor. Recent studies have revealed that both pyroptosis and photothermal therapy can effectively induce tumor immunogenic cell death (ICD) in liver cancer cells. Polyphyllin II (PPII), the major active component of Rhizoma Paridis, has been demonstrated for the first time to induce pyroptosis in tumor cells, while IR780 is activated by 808nm laser to transform light energy into heat energy, effectively eliminating tumor cells. However, both PPII and IR780 are afflicted with challenges such as low solubility and poor targeting, significantly limiting their utilization. To address these problems, the pyroptosis inducer PPII and photosensitizer IR780 were co-loaded in PLGA nanoparticles by precipitation method, and the aptamer AS1411 was modified on the surface of nanoparticles to construct the targeting nanoparticles (Apt/PPII/IR780-NPs). The nanoparticles exhibit a pH/NIR dual-response intelligent release feature, which realizes the targeted and controlled release of drugs in tumor site. Furthermore, it can rapidly release PPII to induce cell pyroptosis under laser irradiation, combining with IR780-based photothermal therapy exert a significant synergistic anti-tumor effect in vitro and in vivo. This process not only promotes maturation of DCs and activates effector T cells, thereby initiating adaptive immunity, but also generates enduring and effective immune memory. In addition, Apt/PPII/IR780-NPs significantly improved the Anti-PD-1 efficacy. In summary, chemo-photothermal therapy based on Apt/PPII/IR780-NPs can significantly enhance tumor ICD, which provides a promising new strategy for HCC immunotherapy.

Localized surface plasmon resonance induced nonlinear absorption and optical limiting activity of gold decorated graphene/MoS2 hybrid

The synergistic supremacy of a hybrid nanocomposite made of reduced graphene oxide (rGO), molybdenum disulfide (MoS2) and gold nanoparticles (Au) for Q-switching and optical limiting applications is investigated. Hydrothermally synthesized Au-rGO-MoS2 hybrid with varying concentrations of Au (2.5, 5, 7.5 and 10 wt%) was subjected to interact with Q-switched Nd:YAG nanosecond green laser pulses. The intensity dependent nonlinear absorption studies revealed a switch over in the nonlinear behaviour from saturable absorption (SA) to reverse saturable absorption (RSA) behaviour. SA occurs due to ground state bleaching at comparatively lower laser irradiances serving the need for Q-switching and optical communications. The RSA trait at higher laser irradiance is attributed to sequential two-photon absorption which serves as the platform for optical limiting behaviour prompting laser safety and effective photothermal therapy applications. The strong mid-visible and UV absorption promotes the availability of multiple energy bands for energy transitions of excited state absorption (ESA). Enhanced local fields due to localized surface plasmon resonance effect, structural defects, hierarchical morphology, increased absorption cross-section and plasmon induced energy transfer promotes robust ESA process. These tunable nonlinear optical properties make Au-rGO-MoS2 hybrid promising futuristic candidates for applications in nonlinear photonic devices, ultrafast optical switches and all-optical signal processing systems.

Phonon-polariton Bragg generation at the surface of silicon carbide

Phonon-polaritons are known to emerge at the surface of solids under infrared (IR) irradiation at frequencies close to the optical phonon resonance. Metal, patterned on the top of the polariton-active surface, locally blocks the excitation of surface waves due to plasmonic screening and can be used for the design of wave patterns. We excite polaritonic waves at the surface of SiC under the irradiation of a CO2 laser (λ∼10μm) and visualize them using apertureless near-field interference scanning probe microscopy. From the near-field scans in the vicinity of gold film periodical strip structures, we identify the Bragg scattering (diffraction) outside the grating with the contribution from separate strips coherently summed up, provided that the wavelength matching condition is fulfilled. The observed phenomena agree with wavefield calculations. Our observations demonstrate the potential of metal-patterned silicon carbide for the fabrication of on-chip polaritonic IR circuits.

The proliferation and viability of human periodontal ligament stem cells cultured on polymeric scaffolds can be improved by low-level laser irradiation.

This study assessed the impact of low-level laser irradiation on the viability and proliferation of human periodontal ligament stem cells (hPDLSCs) cultivated on polylactic acid (PLA) scaffolds. hPDLSCs were obtained, characterized, and grown on the surface of PLA films produced via the solvent casting technique. The study involved two groups: the control group, which was not exposed to radiation, and the laser group, which was irradiated with a diode laser (InGaAIP) with a power of 30 mW, a wavelength of 660 nm, and a single dose of 1 J/cm² emitted continuously. Cell viability was assessed 24 and 48 hours after irradiation using the Alamar blue and Live/Dead assays. Flow cytometry was used to assess cell cycle events, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to evaluate the interaction between cells and the biomaterial. The results revealed a statistically significant increase in cell metabolic activity in the laser group compared with the control group at 24 hours (p <0.05) and 48 hours (p <0.001), as indicated by the Alamar blue assay. The Live/Dead assay also revealed a greater density of viable cells in the laser group. The cell cycle analysis revealed a significant increase in the number of cells in the proliferative phase (G2/M) in the laser group compared with the control group (p <0.001). The SEM images demonstrated that the irradiated group had a greater concentration of cells while still maintaining their cell shape and projections. This study demonstrated that photobiomodulation can increase the viability and proliferation of periodontal stem cells cultured on PLA scaffolds, suggesting the potential of this protocol for future studies on periodontal tissue engineering.

Salmonella Biomimetic Nanoparticles for Photothermal-Chemotherapy of Colorectal Cancer.

Nanomedicines have been widely used in colorectal cancer treatment, but their suboptimal targeting and deficient penetration capabilities remain obstacles in the delivery of therapeutics. In this study, inspired by the natural tumor tropism and intestinal invasion of Salmonella, we engineered highly biomimetic nanoparticles (SM-AuNRs) utilizing a Salmonella membrane to coat bacilliform Au nanorods. The engineered SM-AuNRs were able to mimic the germ's morphology and biological surface. SM-AuNRs containing the specific proteins inherited from the Salmonella membrane facilitated specific targeting and internalization into tumor cells. Meanwhile, SM-AuNRs with the rod-shaped morphology effectively traversed mucus barriers and tumor stroma. Due to the superior biological barrier penetrating and tumor targeting capabilities, doxorubicin-loaded SM-AuNRs with near-infrared laser irradiation displayed remarkable photothermal-chemotherapeutic antitumor effects in mouse orthotopic colorectal cancer models. Our findings pave the way for the design of bacteria-mimicking nanoparticles, presenting a promising avenue for the targeting and efficient treatment of colorectal cancer.

Radical-Scavenging Violet Phosphorus Nanosheets for Attenuating Hyperinflammation and Promoting Infected Wound Healing.

Antibacterial therapy targeting the regulation of macrophage polarization may be a useful approach for normalizing the immune environment and accelerating wound healing. Inspired by black phosphorus-based nanoplatforms, more stable yet less-explored violet phosphorus nanosheets (VPNSs) are expected to provide a superior solution for effectively combating bacterial infections. In this study, an average thickness of 5-7nm VPNSs arefabricated through the liquid-phase exfoliation method to serve as an immunoregulatory dressing for the treatment of infected wounds. VPNSs attenuated excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) and reduced the accumulation of proinflammatory M1 macrophages, showing notable antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Comprehensive RNA sequencing further elucidated the potential immunoregulatory mechanisms of VPNSs, including modulation of the inflammatory response and enzyme regulator activity. Additionally, the inherent photothermal properties of the VPNSs contributed significantly to their antibacterial efficacy. When combined with near-infrared laser irradiation, VPNSs showed remarkable effectiveness in reducing infection-related complications and expediting wound healing in infected skin wound models. The rapid promotion of wound healing through ROS clearance, the regulation of macrophage polarization, and hyperthermia generation underscores the potential of the violet-phosphorus-based nanoplatforms as clinically viable agents for treating infected wounds. This study suggests that VPNSs are promising candidates for clinical anti-infective and anti-inflammatory applications.

A NIR light activated self‐reporting carbon dots assembly as phototheranostics for tumor photodynamic therapy

AbstractPhotodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising protocol for cancer therapy. However, real‐time monitoring of PDT progress and accurate determination of the optimal treatment timing remain challenges. In this work, we selected carbon dots (CDs) and new indocyanine green (IR820) as building units to fabricate a smart nanotheranostics (CDs‐IR820 assembly) with the characteristics of controlled release and real‐time imaging to solve the time gap between diagnosis and treatment. The fabricated CDs‐IR820 assembly locked the photosensitivity of the CDs and could degrade under 750 nm laser irradiation to achieve controlled release of the CDs, thus used for cell imaging and producing single oxygen under the white light. Besides, the released CDs could migrate from the mitochondria to the nucleus during the PDT process, indicating the cell activity, which facilitated the regulation of treatment parameters to achieve the precise PDT for cancer.

Investigation of Changes in the Reflection Spectrum of Human Blood When Exposed to Laser Radiation With Wavelengths of 450 or 980 nm.

This study aimed to determine and explain changes in the reflectance spectrum of human blood in vitro when exposed to laser radiation at wavelengths of 450 or 980 nm. Reflectance spectra of venous blood samples were measured before and after exposure to a single pulse of 450 or 980 nm laser radiation. A numerical optical model based on the Monte Carlo method was applied. Laser irradiation at 450 and 980 nm caused the most significant changes in the reflectance spectrum around 600 nm, associated with alterations in blood oxygen saturation. The maximum efficiency of reducing oxygen saturation was 0.20%/W for 980 nm and 0.72%/W for 450 nm, likely due to differences in blood absorption at these wavelengths. The greatest change in intensity reflectance spectra and oxygen saturation of human venous blood occurs when exposed to laser radiation at 450 nm, not at 980 nm.

Photosensitizing metal–organic framework nanoparticles combined with tumor-sensitization strategies can enhance the phototherapeutic effect upon medullary thyroid carcinoma

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) utilizing metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) has developed as a new and efficacious treatment for malignant tumors located on the surface of the human body. In order to achieve more effective PDT treatment outcomes, the traditional method has been to increase the intensity of the laser irradiation, but this approach can easily lead to tissue burns. In this study, we developed a new type of nanoparticle, F68-PKI@PCN224, aims to achieve effective PDT upon medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) which is an uncommon form of thyroid cancer that originates in the parafollicular cells of the thyroid and the therapeutic outlook for patients with MTC remains unsatisfactory. F68-PKI@PCN224 combines the antitumor features of PDT with mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) inhibitor PKI-587 (PKI). The tumor sensitization, slow release, and pH response features of F68-PKI@PCN224 was demonstrated by a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments / assays. F68-PKI@PCN224 achieved the long-term activation and slow releasing of PKI and TCPP in MTC tumor tissues. During the process of generating PDT effects, F68-PKI@PCN224 enhanced the tumor's sensitivity to PDT, direct laser irradiation of MTC cells or subcutaneous tumor tissues. As a result, low-dose phototherapy achieves a higher anti-tumor effect upon F68-PKI@PCN224 compared with TCPP. This study reveals the synergistic effect between tumor sensitization by mTOR inhibitor and PDT and initially unveils the mechanism of action of these nanoparticles.

From Corn Starch to Nanostructured Magnetic Laser-Induced Graphene Nanocomposite.

Laser-Induced Graphene (LIG) is a 3D, conductive, porous material with a high surface area, produced by laser irradiation of synthetic polymers with high thermal stability. Recently, the focus has shifted toward sustainable bioderived and biodegradable precursors, such as lignocellulosic materials. Despite starch being an abundant and cost-effective biopolymer, direct laser scribing on starch-derived precursors has not yet been explored. This study demonstrates that corn starch bioplastic (SP) can be converted into LIG through iron-catalyzed laser-induced pyrolysis, using Fe(NO₃)₃ as an additive. The impact of iron additive concentration on LIG formation and on its properties is investigated, with only certain concentrations yielding reliable and reproducible results. The investigation of LIG's crystal structure reveals magnetic and non-magnetic iron phases: γ-Fe₂O₃, Fe₃C, and Fe(C). The LIG nanocomposite exhibits soft magnetic properties, with a coercive field of Hc ≈ 200Oe and a saturation magnetization of Ms ≈ 67 emu g⁻¹. The SP substrate degrades almost entirely in soil within 12 days and is unaffected by the addition of Fe(NO₃)₃, allowing for material compostability in line with circular economy principles. Consequently, SP stands out as a promising "green" precursor for magnetic LIG, paving the way for sustainable applications in environmental remediation.

Deciphering the Electronic Coupling Dynamics of Laser-induced Ru/Cu Electrocatalyst for Dual-Side Hydrogen Production and Formic Acid Co-synthesis via DFT Analysis.

Herein, a straightforward approach using pulsed laser technology to synthesize selective hexagonal-close-packed (hcp) Ru nanoparticles attached to Cu nanospheres (Ru/Cu) as bifunctional electrocatalyst for catalyzing the hydrogen evolution reaction (HER) and formaldehyde oxidation reaction (FOR) are reported. Initially, Ru-doped CuO flakes are synthesized using a coprecipitation method followed by transformation into Ru/Cu composites through a strategy involving pulsed laser irradiation in liquid. Specifically, the optimized Ru/Cu-4 composite not only demonstrates a low overpotential of 182mV at 10 mA·cm-2 for the HER but also an ultralow working potential of 0.078V (versusreversible hydrogen electrode) for the FOR at the same current density. Remarkably, the FOR∥HER-coupled electrolyzer employing the Ru/Cu-4∥Ru/Cu-4 system achieves H2 production at both electrodes with a cell voltage of 0.42 V at 10 mA·cm-2 while co-synthesizing formic acid. Furthermore, density functional theory analyses elucidate that the superior activity of the Ru/Cu composite originates from optimized adsorption energies of reactive species on the catalyst surfaces during the HER and FOR, facilitated by the synergistic coupling between Ru and Cu. This study presents an alternative strategy for synthesizing highly effective electrocatalytic materials for use in energy-efficient H2 production with the cosynthesis of value-added chemicals suitable for practical applications.

Hollow Copper Sulfide Nanocubes Loaded with Pt(IV) Complexes for Cancer Multimodal Therapy.

Chemotherapy (CT) can significantly inhibit tumor growth, metastasis, and recurrence during cancer therapy. People have widely used platinum drugs in cancer treatment. However, as most chemotherapeutic drugs, platinum drugs still have shortcomings such as poor solubility, low cell uptake, nonspecific distribution, multidrug resistance, and adverse side effects. Therefore, we synthesized hollow copper sulfide (CuS) nanocubes with photothermal and photodynamic properties as carriers for Pt(IV) drugs. Hollow CuS nanocubes have attracted considerable interest in the field of cancer photothermal therapy (PTT) using multiple biological windows. Under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, Cu2+ can be reduced into Cu+ in the presence of hydrogen peroxide in the tumor microenvironment. The resulting Cu+ can be used for photodynamic therapy (PDT), which can perform a Fenton-like reaction under acidic conditions (pH 5.5-6.5) and catalyze hydrogen peroxide to produce ·OH in the tumor microenvironment. In addition, compared with Pt(II) drugs, Pt(IV) drugs not only have lower systemic toxicity but also consume glutathione (GSH), thereby increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels in tumor cells and effectively promoting PDT. In this study, we oxidized ethylenediamine platinum chloride to its tetravalent state, loaded the Pt(IV) complexes using hollow CuS nanocubes, and modified the surfaces of the nanoparticles with PEG to improve the EPR effect. The Pt(IV)-loaded hollow CuS nanocubes modified with PEG (Pt(IV)-CuS@PEG) are expected to be used for tumor chemo/photothermal/photodynamic therapy.