Photothermal Conversion Efficiency Research Articles

A dual-mode immunochromatographic sensor with photothermal and surface-enhanced Raman scattering for sensitive detection of aflatoxin B1

Multimodal lateral flow immunoassay has displayed the great potential to improve the flexibility and practicality of point-of-care testing. Herein, this study developed a dual-mode photothermal (PT) and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) immunochromatographic sensor for sensitive detection of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). The bifunctional waxberry-like core-satellite nanoparticles loaded with 5,5′-Dithiobis (2-nitrobenzoic acid) (DTNB) were prepared and coupled with antibody to form PT@SERS nanoprobes for qualitative and quantitative detection of AFB1. The photothermal conversion efficiency and SERS enhancement factor of the nanoprobes were 42.11 % and 1.59 × 107, respectively. Under the optimal conditions, the limit of detection of PT assay was 0.033 ng/mL with a linear range of 0.05–10 ng/mL (R2 = 0.997); the limit of detection of SERS assay was 0.0073 ng/mL with a linear range of 0.005–10 ng/mL (R2 = 0.998). The results of the specificity analysis indicated no cross-reactions with the other toxins. The recoveries of the spiked corn and peanut were from 85.39 % to 112.15 % (PT assay) and 80.04 % to 106.57 % (SERS assay), respectively. The assay demonstrated that the developed dual-mode sensor provided a promising option for achieving the rapid detection of AFB1.

Combined Chemo- and Photothermal Therapies of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Using Polydopamine/Au Hollow Nanospheres Loaded with Doxorubicin.

The chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX) is limited by its cardiotoxicity, posing challenges in its application for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This study aims to explore the efficacy of polydopamine/Au nanoparticles loaded with DOX for chemotherapy and photothermal therapy in NSCLC to achieve enhanced efficacy and reduced toxicity. Hollow polydopamine (HPDA)/Au@DOX was synthesized via polydopamine chemical binding sacrificial template method. Morphology was characterized using transmission electron microscopy, particle size and potential were determined using dynamic light scattering, and photothermal conversion efficiency was assessed using near-infrared (NIR) thermal imaging. Drug loading rate and in vitro drug release were investigated. In vitro, anti-tumor experiments were conducted using CCK-8 assay, flow cytometry, and live/dead cell staining to evaluate the cytotoxicity of HPDA/Au@DOX on A549 cells. Uptake of HPDA/Au@DOX by A549 cells was detected using the intrinsic fluorescence of DOX. The in vivo anti-metastasis and anti-tumor effects of HPDA/Au@DOX were explored in mouse lung metastasis and subcutaneous tumor models, respectively. HPDA/Au@DOX with a particle size of (164.26±3.25) nm, a drug loading rate of 36.31%, and an encapsulation efficiency of 90.78% was successfully prepared. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, HPDA/Au@DOX accelerated DOX release and enhanced uptake by A549 cells. In vitro photothermal performance assessment showed excellent photothermal conversion capability and stability of HPDA/Au@DOX under NIR laser irradiation. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the photothermal-chemotherapy combination group (HPDA/Au@DOX+NIR) exhibited stronger anti-metastatic and anti-tumor activities compared to the monotherapy group (DOX). HPDA/Au@DOX nanosystem demonstrated excellent photothermal effect, inhibiting the growth and metastasis of A549 cells. This nanosystem achieves the combined effect of chemotherapy and photothermal, making it promising for NSCLC treatment.

Preparation and photothermal properties of latent functional thermal fluid based on size-controllable phase change nanocapsules

To improve the solar heat utilization efficiency of working fluid in direct solar collector, a novel latent functional thermal fluid (LFTF) based on self-designed 1-octadecanol@silica phase change nanocapsules (NEPCMs) with excellent heat storage capacity and photothermal conversion efficiency were prepared. The NEPCMs prepared by sol–gel method were dispersed in water containing multi-walled carbon nanoparticles to prepare the LFTF. The prepared NEPCMs have high encapsulation efficiency (85.12 %) and melting phase change enthalpy (235.1 J/g), controllable particle size (27.13–167.30 nm), excellent thermal stability and cycle stability. The LFTF containing 10 wt% NEPCMs was considered the optimal choice for its excellent dispersion stability (zeta potential 35.63 mV), thermal storage capacity (peak specific heat capacity 5.11 J·g−1·K−1) and superior photothermal conversion efficiency (up to 98 %), which is roughly 3.29 times that of water. These results offer valuable insights for the future development of LFTF in the field of solar thermal applications.

Rigid coordination environment induced MOFs to achieve an efficient photothermal conversion efficiency

A rigid coordination environment contributes significantly to stabilizing the framework structure of Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs) and reducing the spatial distance between functional ligands, thereby inducing charge transfer effects. In this context, achieving partial and complete coordination of TTF(py)4 in MOFs involves regulating the number and position of carboxylic acid substitutions in the ligand. Notably, TTFBDAT-Zn-MOF demonstrates a more rigid coordination environment compared to TTFBCAT-Zn-MOF. This enhanced coordination environment facilitates energy transfer between donor and acceptor units in MOFs, enabling efficient photothermal conversion performance under 808 nm excitation. The maximum temperature of TTFBDAT-Zn-MOF can reach 190 °C, while the maximum temperature of TTFBCAT-Zn-MOF can only reach 118 °C. Therefore, TTFBDAT-Zn-MOF with rigid structure has superior photothermal conversion performance.

Synergistic defect and heterojunction engineering of carbonized MOF@MoS2 for self-powered sensing micro-system with photothermal therapy

Electrically conductive hydrogel with photothermal therapy (PTT) is highly desired in assembling self-powered sensing micro-system for personalized healthcare. However, the poor electrical conductivity and low photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE) of carbonized metal–organic framework (CMOF) restricted their practical application. Herein, a unique CMOF@MoS2 heterojunction with abundant defects was elaborately designed via the in situ growth of MoS2 on CMOF for constructing functional hydrogel. The presence of numerous defective sites in MoS2 thin layer accelerated the electrons transport, accompanied with the enhanced electrical conductivity of CMOF@MoS2 hydrogel. Moreover, originating from the spontaneous electrons transfer from MoS2 to CMOF due to the difference of work function, the built-in electric field at CMOF@MoS2 interface driven the fast separation of electron-hole in MoS2 excited by photon, boosting the PCE and PTT performances. When CMOF@MoS2 hydrogel was assembled into micro-system, the flexible sensors delivered ultra-sensitivity (GF = 97.1), fast response behavior (23 ms) and excellent durability over 10,000 cycles. After healthcare monitoring, the damaged tissues can be effectively and timely healed under near-infrared laser irradiation. Our findings provided a sort of novel strategy to rational design and construct advanced sensing micro-system with excellent PTT behavior.

Phase change material composites based on 3D lignin-derived porous carbon prepared by in-situ activation for efficient solar-driven energy conversion and storage

Utilization of three-dimensional biomass-derived porous carbons can effectively address issues of easy leakage, low thermal conductivity, and weak photothermal conversion of phase change materials (PCMs). This enables the production of high-performance composites for solar-induced energy collection, conversion, and storage. In this study, hierarchical lignin-derived porous carbon (HLPC), microporous lignin-derived porous carbon (MILPC) and mesoporous lignin-derived porous carbon (MELPC) were prepared through high-temperature in-situ activation using lignosulphonate (LS) as a carbon precursor and CaCO3, KOH and ZnCO3 as activators. Carbon-based PCM composites with high performance were obtained by encapsulating paraffin wax (PW) in porous carbon supports. Results demonstrated that PW/HLPC exhibited comprehensive performance superior to other tested PW composites owing to its higher specific surface area (2,358 m2/g), larger pore volume (1.1 cm3/g) and well-interconnected framework structure. Additionally, PW/HLPC displayed relatively high latent heat (123.4 kJ/kg), photothermal conversion and storage efficiency (95 %), and photoelectric conversion performance (174.5 mV). Moreover, PW/HLPC also showed better leak-proof properties at 90 °C. The cycling stability and photothermal conversion performance of PW/HLPC were superior to those of the selected crude biochar-based PW composites. This study highlights the advantages of the prepared PW/HLPC for both the high-value utilization of lignin and its practical applications in solar-induced energy harvest, conversion, and storage.

Engineering optimal gold nanorod-loaded hollow mesoporous organosilica nanotheranostics for NIR-II photoacoustic microscopy imaging and tumor synergistic therapy

Biodegradable hollow mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (HMON)-based nanotheranostics has recently gained growing interests due to their tremendous potential as an attractive platform for cancer imaging and therapy. However, the engineering of HMON-based nanotheranostics for size-dependent biological profile on in vivo tumor uptake, biodistribution and retention in tumor region have not been achieved to date. Here, a novel tumor microenvironment (TME)-activated nanoplatform employing miniature gold nanorod-loaded HMON (Au@HMON) with tunable hollow cavity of HMON coating is presented, and its application in the second near infrared (NIR-II, 1000–1700 nm) window photoacoustic microscopy (PAM) imaging-guided synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy is studied by loading doxorubicin (DOX). The cancer cell membrane (CCM) biomimetic nanotheranostics (Au@HMON-DOX@CCM) exhibited a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 41.1 % for photothermal therapy (PTT) and PAM imaging. Among the three investigated nanotheranostics, the 221 nm-nanotheranostics exhibited stronger PAM signal and higher drug loading efficacy than the small counterparts (156- and 186-nm) due to the thicker HMON coating layer, larger surface area and intermediate void structure. Therefore, synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy using 221 nm-nanotheranostics is achieved to efficiently inhibit tumor growth. This strategy affords design parameters for engineering HMON-based “all-in-one” nanotheranostics for photoacoustic imaging-guided cancer treatment.

Intelligent operation-activated dual light-up nanointerrogator for on-site high-performance bioimaging

Systematic interrogation of the expression profile of various biomarkers on-site is essential for dissecting tumor-related complex cellular events and precision therapy. However, current DNA-based sensing platforms face the challenges of extracellular activation, single-information readout, inadequate imaging output, and suboptimal therapeutic outcomes. Here, we developed an intelligent “hierarchical scanning, operation and autofeedback” nanointerrogator (HSOAN) for high-performance imaging of multiple biomarkers across cell compartments. The HSOAN system was constructed by introducing a functionalized DNA framework-coupled amplification circuit into a multiparameter-gated biocomputer, and further combining them with MoS2/h-BN nanoheterojunctions (MBNHs). Using MCF-7 cells as the model, the nanosystem was programmed to sequentially sense membrane protein PTK7 and cytoplasmic TK1 mRNA and microRNA-21 genes in a progressive “YES-ANDI-ANDII” manner. The multiple encryption of the logic processor and the high fluorescence quenching efficiency of MBNHs ensure the initial silence (light-off) of the HSOAN. Undergoing top-down scanning, the nanointerrogator only allowed spatial-specific dual light-up in three biomarker-encoded target cells. This “dual lock-three key-dual reporter”-controlled nanointerrogator improved the accuracy of cell identification. More importantly, the engineered framework-supported membrane anchoring and the downstream self-confined amplification circuit-mediated hyperbranching assembly enhanced the on-site retention capabilities of imaging information and also improved the signal-to-background ratio. Furthermore, the excellent photothermal conversion efficiency and biosafety of MBNHs also contribute to the satisfactory therapeutic effects both in vitro and in vivo. This construction strategy will inspire further improvement of biomedical and theranostic platforms.

Engineering Two-dimensional tungsten-doped molybdenum selenide transformed conformational nanoarchitectonics: Trimodal therapeutic nanoagents for enhanced synergistic Photothermal/Chemodynamic/Chemotherapy of breast carcinoma

Two-dimensional transition metal dichalcogenides (TMDCs) exhibit promising photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) for anti-tumour treatment. Herein, we proposed an engineering strategy to regulate the lattice structure of tungsten-doped molybdenum selenide (MoxW1−xSe2) transformed conformational nanoarchitectonics using a microwave-assisted solvothermal method for enhancing peroxidase (POD)-like catalytic performance by adjusting the ratio of molybdenum (Mo) and tungsten (W). Furthermore, the optimised Mo0.8W0.2Se2 nanoflakes surface was modified with chitosan (CHI) for improved biocompatibility and nanocatalytic efficacy, then the obtained CHI-Mo0.8W0.2Se2 subsequently loaded the chemotherapeutic drug mitoxantrone (MTO) for enhanced 4 T1 cells killing ability, shortly denoted as CHI-Mo0.8W0.2Se2-MTO for PTT-augmented CDT and chemotherapy (CT). A series of performance validations successfully showed that electrons tend to transfer from W to Mo in CHI-Mo0.8W0.2Se2, which resulted in superior POD-like activity (Km = 0.038 mM) of CHI-Mo0.8W0.2Se2 compared with that of horseradish peroxidase. Furthermore, CHI-Mo0.8W0.2Se2-MTO with excellent photothermal conversion efficiency (PCE=63.2 %) in the near-infrared (NIR) region could further promote endogenous •OH generation and MTO controlled release within solid tumours. In vivo studies confirmed the successful achievement of synergistic therapeutic effects (tumour inhibition rate of over 90 %) with minimised side effects. Versatile therapeutic nanoagents hold great potential for personalised therapy of breast cancer and will find their way to the pharmaceutical field.

Preparation and exploration of anti-tumor activity of Poria cocos polysaccharide gold nanorods

With the continuous advancement of nanotechnology, the application of gold nanorods (AuNRs) functionalized with polysaccharides in the realm of cancer photothermal therapy is garnering increasing attention. To harness photothermal therapy for cancer treatment, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs were successfully synthesized in this study for the first time, utilizing Poria cocos polysaccharides (FLP), mercaptophenylboronic acid (MPBA), and gold nanorods (AuNRs). FLP-MPBA-AuNRs is a nanomaterial characterized by a unique rod-shaped structure, featuring a long diameter of 29.3 nm and a short diameter of 6.5 nm, which conferred upon it exceptional photothermal stability and remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency. Under near-infrared light irradiation, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs elicited significant photothermal effects, effectively curtailing the proliferation of various cancer cells. Additionally, it impeded cancer progression by inducing cell apoptosis and releasing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs suppressed the metastasis and growth of cancer cells in zebrafish models. In summary, FLP-MPBA-AuNRs showcased immense potential in cancer therapy by inhibiting tumor cell growth through photothermal and photodynamic mechanisms.

Titanium dioxide/graphene oxide synergetic reinforced composite phase change materials with excellent thermal energy storage and photo-thermal performances

The development of advanced composite solid-solid phase change materials (SSPCMs) is urgent to explore for improving solar energy harvesting and storage. Herein, novel composite SSPCMs with synergetic cross-linking structure were fabricated through polymerization using GO and TiO2 constructed on the polyurethane framework skeleton. GO and TiO2 synergetic enhanced polymer framework played a role as skeletal structure to encapsulate PEG in the molecular chains, and provided as highly thermal conductive pathways for the composite SSPCMs. TiO2 nanoparticles performed as extended surface on the skeletal structure for further improvement in thermal conductivity. The composite SSPCMs exhibited a remarkably improved thermal conductivity as high as 0.7 W/(m‧K) and fast thermal response rate. The good light adsorption property of TiO2 enhanced the light absorbance efficiency of the composite SSPCMs by 94.4%. And the photo-thermal conversion efficiency of the composite SSPCMs highly reached 93.5%. Meanwhile, the composite SSPCMs exhibited excellent anti-leakage performance and shape stability under high temperature. Consequently, the as-prepared composite SSPCMs possessed a potential for applications in thermal energy storage and solar energy utilization systems.

Disinfection of bacteria and viruses under near infrared light by tunable self-assembled nanomaterial NH2-MIL-101-xAu based on photothermal and photodynamic mechanisms

In response to the threat posed by multi-drug resistant "superbugs", a synergistic approach of photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been developed. In this work, NH2-MIL-101-xAu was prepared by introducing Au nanoparticles on the surface of NH2-MIL-101 n-type semiconductor by means of self-assembly. The introduction of Au nanoparticles greatly improves the light absorption and utilization of nanomaterials. Based on the surface plasma response (SPR), NH2-MIL-101-xAu has an efficient photothermal conversion ability, and under the irradiation of 808nm (1W/cm2), NH2-MIL-101-5.0Au (0.50mg/mL) can be heated to 60℃ in 3min. And the synergistic effect of plasma-induced interfacial charge-transfer transition and Schottky barriers dramatically enhances the photogenerated carrier separation of NH2-MIL-101-xAu, which in turn generates a large number of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Under the experimental conditions, NH2-MIL-101-xAu with the synergistic effect of PTT and PDT had the sterilization rate of 99.99999% against Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus, and the inactivation rate of Bacteriophage MS2 was more than 99.9%. This study shows that NH2-MIL-101-xAu possessing a high degree of tunability is an effective PTT and PDT synergistic means of destroying pathogens, which is very helpful in the application of eliminating drug-resistant bacteria.

Synergistic Antibacterial Effects of Selenium-Doped Gold Nanosheets with Notable Near Infrared-II Photothermal Conversion Against Multidrug-Resistant Bacteria

Non-metallic nanoparticles are increasingly acknowledged for their broad-spectrum antibacterial properties, which often face limitations due to structural instability and potential biotoxicity. To address these challenges, integrating non-metallic nanoparticles with plasmonic metal nanostructures offers a promising solution. This fusion not only enhances structural stability but also reduces the required dosage. The synergistic coupling of the inherent antibacterial properties of non-metallic nanoparticles with the plasmonic absorption and photothermal conversion capabilities of metal nanostructures significantly amplifies antibacterial efficacy. In this study, we validate this concept by presenting the successful synthesis of selenium-doped gold nanosheets (AuSe NSs) that demonstrate robust absorption in the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window and exhibit efficient photothermal conversion, followed by testing their antibacterial activity. Notably, Au NSs were synthesized with high shape purity, followed by the introduction of SeO2 and ascorbic acid to facilitate Se doping. The resulting products displayed a uniform distribution of both Au and Se elements, while maintaining the NIR-II absorbance characteristic of Au nanosheets unaffected by the Se doping as evidenced by both experimental and FDTD simulation results. Subsequent assessments of the AuSe NSs demonstrated their potent synergistic antibacterial effects against multidrug-resistant bacteria at minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs), which suggests that lower dosages can be employed and benefit minimizing potential side effects and optimizing treatment efficiency. Our findings indicate a synergistic boost between the photothermal attributes originating from Au's NIR absorption and Se's inherent antibacterial properties—an aspect minimally explored in prior research and offering a novel solution to tackling antibiotic-resistant bacterial strains.

Multivalent Pt/Ti3C2Tx Nanocomposite-Based Immunochromatographic Sensor for Colorimetric/Temperature/Pressure Trimodal Detection.

Multimodal immunochromatographic sensors (ICSs) have acquired extensive attention since they not only provide reliable results by comparing the different output signals but also flexibly respond to various application environments. Herein, an ICS with triple signal outputs including colorimetry, temperature, and pressure was developed for sensitive detection of chlorothalonil. The multivalent Pt/Ti3C2Tx nanoparticles as signal tags were facilely synthesized by loading PtNPs onto single-layer Ti3C2Tx nanosheets with high surface area. The acquired Pt/Ti3C2TxNPs accelerated the rate-limiting step of the aerogenesis reaction of H2O2 for producing intensive pressure signals due to their significant catalase-mimic activity. Meanwhile, they showed desirable photothermal conversion efficiency in the near-infrared region for producing significant temperature signals. Furthermore, their deep color also allowed facile colorimetry by using the naked eye. Based on a competitive immunoassay, chlorothalonil was detected as a model analyte on this trimodal ICS platform. The detection limits for pressure, temperature, and colorimetric modes were 0.04, 0.09, and 5 ng mL-1, respectively. The recoveries for detecting chlorothalonil supplemented in Astragalus and Honeysuckle with pressure mode were 84.0-110% and 108-114%, respectively. Therefore, the ICS presented a portable, sensitive, accurate, and flexible multimodal strategy suitable for point-of-care testing.

A singular plasmonic-thermoelectric hollow nanostructure inducing apoptosis and cuproptosis for catalytic cancer therapy

Thermoelectric technology has recently emerged as a distinct therapeutic modality. However, its therapeutic effectiveness is significantly limited by the restricted temperature gradient within living organisms. In this study, we introduce a high-performance plasmonic-thermoelectric catalytic therapy utilizing urchin-like Cu2−xSe hollow nanospheres (HNSs) with a cascade of plasmonic photothermal and thermoelectric conversion processes. Under irradiation by a 1064 nm laser, the plasmonic absorption of Cu2−xSe HNSs, featuring rich copper vacancies (VCu), leads to a rapid localized temperature gradient due to their exceptionally high photothermal conversion efficiency (67.0%). This temperature gradient activates thermoelectric catalysis, generating toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) targeted at cancer cells. Density functional theory calculations reveal that this vacancy-enhanced thermoelectric catalytic effect arises from a much more carrier concentration and higher electrical conductivity. Furthermore, the exceptional photothermal performance of Cu2−xSe HNSs enhances their peroxidase-like and catalase-like activities, resulting in increased ROS production and apoptosis induction in cancer cells. Here we show that the accumulation of copper ions within cancer cells triggers cuproptosis through toxic mitochondrial protein aggregation, creating a synergistic therapeutic effect. Tumor-bearing female BALB/c mice are used to evaluate the high anti-cancer efficiency. This innovative approach represents the promising instance of plasmonic-thermoelectric catalytic therapy, employing dual pathways (membrane potential reduction and thioctylated protein aggregation) of mitochondrial dysfunction, all achieved within a singular nanostructure. These findings hold significant promise for inspiring the development of energy-converting nanomedicines.

Photothermal therapy and cell imaging tracking of porous silicon nanoparticle by magnesiothermic reduction and surface modification

The synthesis of silicon nanoparticles (PSi NPs) from silica nanoparticles (SiO₂) via magnesium (Mg) reduction is a promising technique due to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness. In this study, silica is utilized as the primary precursor and is subjected to a reduction process using magnesium powder as the reducing agent. By covalently attaching Fluorescein Isothiocyanate (FITC) to the surface of PSi NPs, we aim to enhance their fluorescence intensity and stability while also improving their surface reactivity and biocompatibility. The modified PSi NPs system was characterized using various microscopic techniques, Raman spectra, porosity and morphology analysis, Zeta potential, and analysis of organic functional groups to confirm successful conjugation and to evaluate changes in surface morphology, fluorescence properties, and colloidal stability. By leveraging the inherent photothermal conversion efficiency of PSi NPs, we explore their capacity to generate localized heat upon near-infrared (NIR) light irradiation, effectively inducing cancer cell apoptosis. Concurrently, the natural fluorescence of PSi NPs is harnessed to enable high-resolution imaging, facilitating real-time tracking and monitoring of therapeutic processes. The PSi NPs were subjected to a series of in vitro experiments to assess their photothermal efficiency, cytotoxicity, and imaging capabilities. Results demonstrate that PSi NPs exhibit excellent photothermal effects, leading to significant cell death in targeted cancer cells upon NIR exposure, while their fluorescence properties provide clear and detailed imaging. These findings highlight the potential of PSi NPs as multifunctional agents in cancer therapy, combining effective photothermal treatment with non-invasive imaging, thereby enhancing the precision and efficacy of therapeutic interventions.

CuS hollow nanocages with rough surface to enhanced photothermal property for ultra-sensitive detection of furazolidone metabolites

Signal tracers play a key role in the lateral flow immunoassay (LFIA) for improving sensitivity and signal output capability. Photothermal signal has sparked significant excitement in designing high-performance LFIAs. Herein, CuS hollow nanocages (CuS HNCs) were synthesized for building a dual signal LFIA. CuS HNCs show excellent photothermal conversion efficiency due to their unique morphology and superior localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect. Meanwhile, the hollow-cage structure endows CuS HNCs with high light absorption and suitable colorimetric property. Furazolidone (FZD) metabolite was used as a model target in the developed LFIA to demonstrate its superior comprehensive performances brought by CuS HNCs. The limit of detection is as low as 0.099 ng mL−1 (colorimetric mode) and 0.075ng mL−1 (photothermal mode), respectively. Furthermore, standard recovery test in honey and shrimp samples was performed and the recovery rates ranged from 86.33 % to 116.71 %. This study not only introduces a new type of nanolabel characterized by an abundance of high-energy hot carriers and pronounced thermal effects, enabling the development of exceptionally sensitive immunosensor platforms but also extends applications of hollow plasmonic photothermal material in the point-of-care (POC) diagnostic field.

Fe-doped biodegradable dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles for starvation therapy and photothermal-enhanced cascade catalysis in tumor therapy

Combination therapies have attracted significant attention because they address the limitations of monotherapy while improving overall efficacy. In this study, we designed a novel nanoplatform, named GOx@Fe-DMSN@PDA (GFDP), by integrating Fe2+ into dendritic mesoporous silica nanoparticles (DMSN) and selecting glucose oxidase (GOx) as the model drug loaded into the DMSN pores. Additionally, we coated the surface of the DMSN with polydopamine (PDA) to confer pH/near infrared (NIR) light-responsive controlled-release behavior and photothermal therapy (PTT). The introduction of Fe2+ into the DMSN framework greatly improved biodegradability and enhanced the peroxidase (POD)-like activity of GFDP. In addition, GOx could consume glucose and generate hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) within tumor cells to facilitate starvation therapy and enhance cascade catalysis. The PDA coating provided the DMSN with an intelligent response release ability, promoting efficient photothermal conversion and achieving the PTT effect. Cellular tests showed that under NIR light irradiation, GFDP exhibited a synergistic effect of PTT-enhanced starvation therapy and cascade catalysis, with a half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 2.89 μg/mL, which was significantly lower than that of GFDP without NIR light irradiation (18.29 μg/mL). The in vivo anti-tumor effect indicated that GFDP could effectively accumulate at the tumor site for thermal imaging and showed remarkable synergistic therapeutic effects. In summary, GFDP is a promising nanoplatform for multi-modal combination therapy that integrates starvation therapy, PTT, and cascade catalysis.

Liquid metal induced segregated-like electromagnetic shielding composites with excellent photothermal conversion and strain sensing capacities

The development of multifunctional electromagnetic interference (EMI) shielding materials has garnered significant attention, yet achieving flexible composites that integrate EMI shielding, thermal conductivity, and other functionalities under low filler loading remains a challenge. This study presents a novel flexible composite with segregated structure prepared via a simple co-mixing and hot-pressing method. By selectively distributing conductive Liquid metal (LM) and Multi-wall carbon nanotube (CNT) on the surface of Polyurethane (TPU) particles, a continuous and compact conductive network is successfully constructed, enabling the attainment of a high EMI shielding effectiveness of 80.2 dB and a thermal conductivity of 4.8 W m−1 K−1 even at low LM loadings. Furthermore, the composite exhibits low-voltage-driven Joule heating performance, excellent photothermal conversion efficiency, and promising potential for wearable sensor applications. The combination of these outstanding properties highlights the great potential of LM-based composites for next-generation wearable devices.

Multifunctional chitosan-based composite hydrogels engineered for sensing applications

Chitosan-based hydrogels, as natural high-molecular-weight flexible materials, are widely utilized due to their outstanding properties. In this research, we developed a one-pot method for synthesizing a novel PVA/CS@PPy-PDAx% conductive hydrogel and explored the internal bonding patterns through molecular dynamics simulations. By adding PPy-PDA nanoparticles into a hydrogel matrix, an interpenetrating conductive network established successfully. The uniform distribution of PPy-PDA nanoparticles endowed the hydrogel with good electrical conductivity (0.171 S/m), significantly enhanced mechanical properties, and strain sensing (S = 5.04), as well as near-infrared photothermal responsiveness (temperature increase of 41.9 °C within 30 s). Additionally, due to the hydrogel's significant photothermal conversion efficiency under near-infrared radiation, it exhibits rapid elimination of Escherichia coli with an antibacterial efficiency exceeding 90 %. The unique hydrogen-bonded crosslinked structure provides the hydrogel with excellent re-healing properties, allowing for restoration through a freeze-thaw process after damage. The conductivity remains nearly unchanged after re-healing, maintaining the material's integrity and functionality. The flexible sensor based on this hydrogel has a response time of 100 ms and can sensitively detect large-scale deformations (e.g., joint bending at various angles), different gravitational forces, and recognize human handwriting. These characteristics make this hydrogel a promising candidate for advancing intelligent wearable technologies and human-machine interaction systems.