Potential In Photothermal Therapy Research Articles

Rational approach to design gold nanoparticles for photothermal therapy: the effect of gold salt on physicochemical, optical and biological properties

Among the unique characteristics associated to gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in biomedicine, their ability to convert light energy into heat opens ventures for improved cancer therapeutic options, such as photothermal therapy (PTT). PTT relies on the local hyperthermia of tumor cells upon irradiation with light beams, and the association of AuNPs with radiation within the near infrared (NIR) range constitutes an advantageous strategy to potentially improve PTT efficacy. Herein, it was explored the effect of the gold salt on the AuNPs’ physicochemical and optical properties. Mostly spherical-like negatively charged AuNPs with variable sizes and absorbance spectra were obtained. In addition, photothermal features were assessed using in vitro phantom models. The best formulation showed the ability to increase their temperature in aqueous solution up to 19 °C when irradiated with a NIR laser for 20 min. Moreover, scanning transmission electron microscopy confirmed the rearrangement of the gold atoms in a face-centered cubic structure, which further allowed to calculate the photothermal conversion efficiency upon combination of theoretical and experimental data. AuNPs also showed local retention after being locally administered in in vivo models. These last results obtained by computerized tomography allow to consider these AuNPs as promising elements for a PTT system. Moreover, AuNPs showed high potential for PTT by resulting in in vitro cancer cells’ viability reductions superior to 70 % once combine with 5 min of NIR irradiation.

A Photothermal Therapy Study Based on Electrospinning Nanofibers Blended and Coated with Polydopamine Nanoparticles

AbstractThe development of high‐efficiency and good biocompatible photothermal therapy platforms is conducive to avoiding the risks of nano‐preparations in vivo. The poly‐L‐lactic acid (PLLA) indicated good biodegradability and biocompatibility. Inspired by natural melanin and the extraordinary nontoxic mussel biopolymer, polydopamine nanoparticles (PDA NPs) with photothermal efficacy have attracted increasing attention. Herein, we performed the study of blended PDA/PLLA and coated PDA@PLLA electrospun nanofibers (ESNFs) for photothermal therapy. In photothermal experiment, the PDA@PLLA ESNF displayed higher light‐to‐heat conversion and photothermal stability than that of PDA/PLLA and PLLA ESNF. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments tested that three kinds of ESNF exhibited low toxicity and outstanding biocompatibility. Moreover, the PDA@PLLA ESNF showed better property for the cell proliferation due to the rough surface and good hydrophilicity. The in vivo photothermal potentiality of the PLLA, PDA/PLA and PDA@PLLA ESNF was evaluated in nude mice of inoculating the tumor, in which the PDA/PLA and PDA@PLLA ESNF significantly inhibited the tumor increasing compared to control group. Especially, the PDA@PLLA ESNF showed better photothermal therapy, which made the tumor irreversible ablate at local tumor tissue. These results stand out the usage of PDA@PLLA ESNF as potential photothermal therapy material.

Indocyanine Green‐Glycogen Conjugates for Near‐Infrared‐Triggered Photothermal Cancer Therapy

AbstractPhotothermal reagents sensitive to near‐infrared (NIR) light are promising imaging agents and therapeutics for anticancer applications because of the deep tissue penetration of NIR light, allowing for spatiotemporal control over the therapeutic activity, with minimal damage to normal tissues. Herein, a new class of NIR‐sensitive biopolymer‐based nanoparticles is presented by covalently conjugating indocyanine green (ICG) onto the surface of naturally occurring glycogen nanoparticles. The resulting ICG‐glycogen conjugates exhibit a markedly enhanced aqueous stability in comparison to free ICG molecules. Furthermore, an efficient light‐to‐heat conversion is enabled by ICG‐glycogen conjugates, as evidenced by the elevated temperatures of their aqueous solutions upon exposure to NIR light. Critically, ICG‐glycogen conjugates are capable of cell internalization, and under NIR irradiation the effective eradication of breast cancer cells, demonstrating their potential in photothermal therapy for cancer.

Temperature-Sensitive Nanocarbon Hydrogel for Photothermal Therapy of Tumors.

Intelligent hydrogels continue to encounter formidable obstacles in the field of cancer treatment. A wide variety of hydrogel materials have been designed for diverse purposes, but materials with satisfactory therapeutic effects are still urgently needed. Here, we prepared an injectable hydrogel by means of physical crosslinking. Carbon nanoparticle suspension injection (CNSI), a sentinel lymph node imaging agent that has been widely used in the clinic, with sodium β-glycerophosphate (β-GP) were added to a temperature-sensitive chitosan (CS) hydrogel (CS/GP@CN) as an agent for photothermal therapy (PTT). After evaluating the rheological, morphological, and structural properties of the hydrogel, we used 4T1 mouse breast cancer cells and B16 melanoma cells to assess itsin vitroproperties. Then, we intratumorally injected the hydrogel into BALB/c tumor-bearing mice to assess the in vivo PTT effect, antitumor immune response and the number of lung metastases. Surprisingly, this nanocarbon hydrogel called CS/GP@CN hydrogel not only had good biocompatibility and a great PTT effect under 808nm laser irradiation but also facilitated the maturation of dendritic cells to stimulate the antitumor immune response and had an extraordinary antimetastatic effect in the lungs. Overall, this innovative temperature-sensitive nanocarbon hydrogel, which exists in a liquid state at room temperature and transforms to a gel at 37 °C, is an outstanding local delivery platform with tremendous PTT potential and broad clinical application prospects.

Biophysical interaction of gold nanoparticles with model biological membranes: Investigation of the effect of geometry on cellular uptake and photothermal performance

Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) with different geometry have been demonstrated to provide significant advantages in enhancing cellular uptake and improving the efficacy of photothermal therapy (PTT). In this study, we synthesized spherical (AuNSs), cube-shaped (AuNCs), and rod-shaped (AuNRs) using the seed-mediated growth method in which cetyltrimethylammonium bromide (CTAB) was used as stabilizing agent. To investigate the impact of nanoparticle geometry on their potential for PTT and their ability to interact with and penetrate cell membranes, we employed two different model membranes, 1,2-dipalmitoyl-sn-glycero-3-phosphocoline (DPPC) and endothelial model membrane (EMM). The biophysical interaction between the AuNPs having different geometry and model membranes was investigated using 2D model. Similarly, we evaluated the efficiency of cellular uptake for these AuNPs and found that AuNRs exhibited greater cellular uptake than the other shapes, despite the initially higher interaction of AuNCs with the DPPC monolayer due to stronger electrostatic interactions. Furthermore, when utilizing a more realistic model membrane (EMM), we observed highly successful biophysical interactions of AuNRs regarding cellular uptake extent. Collectively, our findings suggest that the surface charge and geometry of AuNPs play a crucial role in determining their photothermal therapy potential and cellular uptake efficiency. Moreover, AuNRs are promising candidates for PTT and drug delivery applications.

Hollow copper sulfide nanoparticles carrying ISRIB for the sensitized photothermal therapy of breast cancer and brain metastases through inhibiting stress granule formation and reprogramming tumor-associated macrophages.

As known, the benefits of photothermal therapy (PTT) are greatly limited by the heat tolerance of cancer cells resulting from overexpressed heat shock proteins (HSPs). Then HSPs further trigger the formation of stress granules (SGs) that regulate protein expression and cell viability under various stress conditions. Inhibition of SG formation can sensitize tumor cells to PTT. Herein, we developed PEGylated pH (low) insertion peptide (PEG-pHLIP)-modified hollow copper sulfide nanoparticles (HCuS NPs) encapsulating the SG inhibitor ISRIB, with the phase-change material lauric acid (LA) as a gate-keeper, to construct a pH-driven and NIR photo-responsive controlled smart drug delivery system (IL@H-PP). The nanomedicine could specifically target slightly acidic tumor sites. Upon irradiation, IL@H-PP realized PTT, and the light-controlled release of ISRIB could effectively inhibit the formation of PTT-induced SG to sensitize tumor cells to PTT, thereby increasing the antitumor effect and inducing potent immunogenic cell death (ICD). Moreover, IL@H-PP could promote the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), repolarizing them towards the M1 phenotype and remodeling the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Invitro/vivo results revealed the potential of PTT combined with SG inhibitors, which provides a new paradigm for antitumor and anti-metastases.

Release kinetics study of fatty acids eutectic mixture gated mesoporous carbon nanoparticles for chemo-photothermal therapy

Precise drug release in tumor sites is the key to improving the curative effect and reducing the toxic and side effects of chemotherapy. Herein, mesoporous carbon nanoparticles (MCN) and thermo-sensitive biocompatible phase change material (PCM) composed of stearic acid and lauric acid eutectic mixture were integrated for achieving the “on-demand” release of poorly soluble drug mercaptopurine (MP). MCN endowed the system with the potential of photothermal therapy (PTT) as well as high drug-loading efficiency. Fatty acids eutectic mixture with a well-designated melting point of 40 °C was used as the gatekeeper to trap MP in the mesopores of MCN. As expected, the drug was not released until PCM was melted down by the heat generated under NIR irradiation, thus inhibiting the premature release of drugs at body temperature. Notably, the release kinetic study results of inactivated MCN@MP/PCM system demonstrated the premature release of the drug was caused by diffusion, and adjusting the added PCM amounts just changed the controlled release effect of drugs without affecting release mechanisms. According to the cellular uptake, cytotoxicity and anti-tumor spheroids assays, the prominent NIR-triggered drug release property and photothermal effect of MCN@MP/PCM enhanced the antitumor activity, possessing the satisfied synergistic chemo-photothermal antitumor effect with a combination index of 0.554. This work provides a comprehending basis for designing a better-controlled release system to realize a safer and more efficient synergistic antitumor effect.

Impact of Plasmonic Nanoparticles on Poikilocytosis and Microrheological Properties of Erythrocytes.

Plasmonic nanoparticles (NP) possess great potential in photothermal therapy and diagnostics. However, novel NP require a detailed examination for potential toxicity and peculiarities of interaction with cells. Red blood cells (RBC) are important for NP distribution and the development of hybrid RBC-NP delivery systems. This research explored RBC alterations induced by noble (Au and Ag) and nitride-based (TiN and ZrN) laser-synthesized plasmonic NP. Optical tweezers and conventional microscopy modalities indicated the effects arising at non-hemolytic levels, such as RBC poikilocytosis, and alterations in RBC microrheological parameters, elasticity and intercellular interactions. Aggregation and deformability significantly decreased for echinocytes independently of NP type, while for intact RBC, all NP except Ag NP increased the interaction forces but had no effect on RBC deformability. RBC poikilocytosis promoted by NP at concentration 50 μg mL-1 was more pronounced for Au and Ag NP, compared to TiN and ZrN NP. Nitride-based NP demonstrated better biocompatibility towards RBC and higher photothermal efficiency than their noble metal counterparts.

Host-guest assemblies for improved photothermal cancer therapy

Photothermal cancer therapy has attracted plenty of attention in the last decades due to its promising efficacy, spatiotemporal control, negligible drug resistance, etc. However, to achieve widespread clinical application, the enhancement of curative effect and the minimization of side effect still need be concerned about in the field of photothermal therapy. Host-guest assemblies, constructed by the inclusion of small molecular guests into macrocyclic hosts through non-covalent interactions, are featured with unique microenvironment and flexible, dynamic nature. On the basis of the abovementioned advantages, host-guest assemblies show great potential in photothermal therapy. However, to the best of our knowledge, the endeavors of host-guest assemblies-based photothermal therapy have not been systematically discussed. Hence, to benefit the design of advanced host-guest assembly-based photothermal agents and promote the development of photothermal therapy, in this review, the major achievements of host-guest assemblies in photothermal cancer therapy, including the enhancement of photothermal conversion efficiency, the improvement of targeted distribution in tumor site, and the superiority of constructing photothermal therapy-derived multimodal synergistic therapy, are discussed. In addition, the future perspectives on host-guest assemblies-based photothermal therapy are outlined.

Power dependent photoacoustic and photoluminescence studies on a Ho3+/Yb3+ doped Y2O3 phosphor.

The Ho3+/Yb3+ doped Y2O3 phosphor samples were synthesized through a combustion method and then were annealed at 800 °C, 1000 °C, and 1200 °C. The cubic phase of the synthesized samples was confirmed by XRD analysis. The upconversion (UC) & photoacoustic (PA) spectroscopic studies were done on prepared samples and both spectra are compared. The samples have shown intense green upconversion emission at 551 nm due to the 5S2 → 5I8 transition of Ho3+ ion along with other bands. The maximum emission intensity is obtained for the sample annealed at 1000 °C for 2 hours. The authors have also measured the lifetime corresponding to 5S2 → 5I8 transition and found that lifetime values follow the trend of upconversion intensity. The maximum lifetime of 224 μs is observed for the sample annealed at 1000 °C. A photoacoustic cell & a pre-amplifier was fabricated and optimized for maximum sensitivity of the system. The PA signal was found to increase with increase of excitation power within the studied range, while UC emission was found to saturate after a certain pump power. The increase in PA signal is due to the increase in non-radiative transitions in the sample. The wavelength-dependent photoacoustic spectrum of sample has shown absorption bands around 445, 536, 649 and 945 (970) nm with maximum absorption at 945 (970) nm. This indicates its potential for photo-thermal therapy using infrared excitation.

Comparative study of upconversion and photoacoustic measurements of Er3+/Yb3+ doped La2O3 phosphor under 980 nm

The Er3+/Yb3+doped La2O3 phosphor samples were synthesized by the combustion method and then photoluminescence and photoacoustic spectroscopic studies were done. Prepared samples were annealed at 800 °C, 1000 °C and 1300 °C and all samples were found in pure hexagonal phase as confirmed by XRD analysis. From FE-SEM images it is found that particle size increases with increase in annealing temperature. The frequency upconversion emission spectra of samples were recorded by exciting the sample with 980 nm diode laser and maximum emission intensity is obtained for the sample annealed at 1000 °C for 2 h. A photoacoustic cell was designed and wavelength dependent photoacoustic spectra were measured. The effect of sample storage time on radiative and non-radiative emission properties of sample was checked by measuring upconversion emission and photoacoustic spectra, simultaneously. It is observed that the emission intensity and photoacoustic signal both decreases with time. The maximum photoacoustic signal is obtained around 974 nm wavelength and it indicates its potential for photo-thermal therapy using infrared excitation.

Pt/Ag‐PEG‐Ce6 Nanosystem with Enhanced Near‐Infrared Absorption and Peroxidase‐Like Activity for Synergistic Photodynamic/Photothermal Therapy

AbstractNoble metals and their alloy‐based nanomaterials are widely used in biomedicine, especially in the fields of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) on tumors, due to their remarkable physicochemical properties. Nonetheless, novel doping strategies with unexpected efficacies are still challenging and formidable. Herein, a photosensitizer‐alloy nanosystem is designed for highly efficient PDT and PTT. Specifically, the optimized Pt/Ag alloy nanoparticles are facilely synthesized in one step at room temperature and are simultaneously endowed with enhanced peroxidase‐like activity and photothermal conversion, and further activated cytotoxic singlet oxygen (1O2) productivity after covalent functionalization of chlorin e6 (Ce6). A small amount of Ag doping can kill two birds with one stone by simultaneously enhancing the synergistic PDT and PTT potential of Pt/Ag‐PEG‐Ce6 nanoparticles. Both in vitro and in vivo experimental results indicate that the significant temperature increase triggered by 808 nm laser and a large amount of toxic 1O2 excited by 671 nm laser synergistically and strongly kill tumor cells. Therefore, through proper doping and improved physicochemical properties, this nanosystem achieves effective PDT and PTT of tumors and also inspires the advanced design of noble metal‐based nanomedicine.

Self-assembly synthesis of flower-like gold nanoparticles for photothermal treatment of cancer

Polymyxin E (PE) could be used as a soft template, because of its characteristics of self-assembly and ability of metal ions reduction. Here, PE induced gold nanoflowers (PE@AuNFs) were successfully synthesized by seed growth method. PE@AuNFs had anisotropy, large absorption cross section, and large surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) peak, resulting in high photothermal conversion efficiency of 34.9%. Moreover, the cell viability of PE@AuNFs for HeLa cells was 19% under near-infrared light irradiation, while cell viability of 15 nm citrate capped gold nanoparticles (SC@AuNPs) was 83%. PE@AuNFs showed good antibacterial effect with laser irradiation. Furthermore, the excellent inhibition efficacy of PE@AuNFs also was demonstrated in U14 tumor-bearing mice in vivo. Taken together, the flower-shaped PE@AuNFs prepared by this new method had good biocompatibility and outstanding near-infrared photothermal treatment effect, indicating their great potential in photothermal therapy.

Amyloid Protein-Biofunctionalized Polydopamine Nanoparticles Demonstrate Minimal Plasma Protein Fouling and Efficient Photothermal Therapy

Polydopamine (PDA) shows great application potential in photothermal therapy (PTT) of tumors due to its excellent photothermal performance. However, PDA rich in a large number of catechin structures, with strong adhesion, can readily attach to plasma proteins in blood to form protein corona, which greatly hinders the transfer efficiency to tumors and reduces the bioavailability. In this paper, a simple, rapid phase-transitioned albumin biomimetic nanocorona (TBSA) is used for the surface camouflage of PDA nanoparticles for minimal plasma protein fouling and efficient PTT. TBSA coating is formed by the BSA-derived amyloid through the hydrophobic aggregation near the isoelectric point and the rupture of disulfide bonds by tris(2-carboxyethyl) phosphine. The stable PDA@TBSA complexes are formed by camouflaging TBSA onto the surface of PDA through hydrophobic, electrostatic, and covalent binding between TBSA and PDA, which showed excellent anti-plasma protein adsorption properties profited from the surface charge of PDA@TBSA approaching equilibrium and the surface passivation of BSA. The plasma protein thickness of the PDA@TBSA surface is 6 times lower than that of PDA at adsorption saturation. In vitro and in vivo experiments have revealed that PDA@TBSA has an excellent photothermal antitumor effect compared to PDA. Both PDA and PDA@TBSA treatment plus 808 nm laser irradiation result in more than 70% inhibition on tumor cell proliferation. In addition, PDA@TBSA does not cause a significant inflammatory response and tissue damage. Taken together, the TBSA coating endows PDA with low-fouling functions in blood and improves the residence time of PDA in blood and enrichment in the tumor tissue. This work offers a novel and efficient strategy for the design of functional nanosystems exploiting the speciality of the biomolecular corona formation around nanomaterials.

Recent advances in porous MOFs and their hybrids for photothermal cancer therapy.

Cancer is still one of the most life-threatening diseases in the world. Among the various cancer therapeutic strategies, photothermal therapy (PTT) has attracted considerable attention due to its high treatment efficacy, low invasive burden, and minor side effects. Microporous metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) are potential materials for photothermal tumor treatment thanks to their high surface areas, suitable pore geometry, and easy functionalization. Through designating organic linkers, encapsulating PTT agents and fabricating MOF hybrids, MOF-based treatment platforms have great potential in PTT. In this review, we mainly summarize the recent advances of MOFs in photothermal combined cancer therapy. The present challenges and possible future prospects in this field are also explored.

Electroconductive and photoactive poly(phenylenediamine)s with antioxidant and antimicrobial activities for potential photothermal therapy

Poly(ortho-phenylenediamine), poly(meta-phenylenediamine) and poly(para-phenylenediamine) with biological activities as good candidates for biomedical applications.

Photothermal Therapy as Adjuvant to Surgery in an Orthotopic Mouse Model of Human Fibrosarcoma

Simple SummaryCombining tumor surgery with other types of treatment can be useful when dealing with aggressive tumors or tumors in difficult locations. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a technique based on the use of light-absorbing nanoparticles that accumulate in the tumor. When tumors are irradiated with a laser, these nanoparticles transform the laser light into heat, causing very localized tumor death and sparing healthy neighboring tissues. In this study, we evaluated a treatment strategy consisting of surgery followed by PTT in a highly aggressive mouse model of fibrosarcoma. Using magnetic resonance imaging, we observed a slowdown in tumor growth accompanied by improved survival in mice that underwent PTT and surgery compared to animals that only had surgery. This shows the potential of combining PTT with surgery, an approach that can potentially be valuable to multiple types of cancer.Surgery is still the first-line treatment for multiple solid cancers. However, recurrence is a common issue, especially when dealing with aggressive tumors or tumors that are difficult to completely remove due to their location. Getting clear surgical margins can be challenging, but treatment strategies combining surgery with other anti-cancer therapies can potentially improve the outcome. Photothermal therapy (PTT) is a technique that relies on photoabsorbing agents, such as gold nanoparticles, to transform light into local hyperthermia. This technique can be used to ablate tumor tissue where the photoabsorbing agent accumulates, sparing healthy surrounding tissue. In this study, we examined the potential of gold nanoparticle-based PTT as an adjuvant treatment to surgery in a mouse model of human fibrosarcoma. For this we performed subtotal tumor resection to mimic a clinical situation where total tumor removal is not achieved, and subsequent PTT was applied on the surgical field. Our results showed that animals undergoing adjuvant PTT after surgery presented sustained delayed tumor growth and improved survival when compared to animals that only underwent surgery. We believe that these findings show the potential of PTT as an adjuvant method to traditional tumor surgery and could pave way to more personalized treatment options.

Targeting the tumor microenvironment with amphiphilic near-infrared cyanine nanoparticles for potentiated photothermal immunotherapy

Despite the potential of photothermal therapy (PTT) for cancer treatments, PTT alone has limitations in treating metastatic tumors and preventing tumor recurrence, highlighting the need to combine PTT with immunotherapy. This study reports tumor microenvironment (TME)-targeting, near-infrared (NIR) dye derivative—based nanomedicine for effective combined PTT—immunotherapy. Amphiphilic NIR dye cyanine derivatives are used not only for constructing the nanoparticle mass, but also for creating a stable complex with CpG adjuvant; a peptide specific to fibronectin extra domain B (APTEDB) is also introduced as a TME-targeting ligand, yielding the TME-targeting nanomedicine, APTEDB-cyNP@CpG. APTEDB-cyNP@CpG shows cancer-targeting ability in EDB-overexpressing CT26 colon tumor-bearing mice. When combined with laser irradiation, it induces immunogenic cell death (ICD) and subsequently leads to significant increase in CD8+ T cell population in the tumor, resulting in greater antitumor therapeutic efficacy than does cyNP@CpG lacking the TME-targeting ligand. Moreover, the combination of APTEDB-cyNP@CpG–based PTT and an immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) antibody leads to remarkable antitumor efficacy against the laser-irradiated primary tumor as well as distant tumor through potentiation of systemic cancer cell-specific T cell immunity. Furthermore, the PTT-immunotherapy combination regimen is highly effective in inhibiting tumor recurrence and metastasis.

Dual-responsive nanohybrid based on degradable silica-coated gold nanorods for triple-combination therapy for breast cancer

Multi-modal combination therapy has attracted great attention, owing to the unsatisfactory therapeutic efficacy of conventional chemotherapy. Mesoporous silica-coated gold nanorods possess great potential in photothermal therapy and drug delivery. In this work, we fabricate a dual-responsive nanohybrid for combination treatment of the malignant tumor. In this system, gold nanorods are coated with the degradable mesoporous silica, and the chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) and photosensitizer (IR820) are co-loaded inside the pores of the silica. The encapsulation of hyaluronic acid (HA) endow the nanohybrids with mammary carcinoma targeting ability and better biocompatibility, owning to CD44+ receptor overexpressed in some cancer cells. As-prepared nanohybrids exhibit high responsiveness to a high glutathione (GSH) level and degrade rapidly in the presence of hyaluronidase (HAase) and GSH after endocytosis by 4T1 cells, allowing the efficient release of loaded DOX and IR 820 in tumor sites. Interestingly, near-infrared (NIR) laser not only triggers the generation of reactive oxygen species, but also remarkable photothermal efficacy originating from GNRs. Therefore, upon the irradiation of 808 nm NIR light, the combinatorial photodynamic, photothermal and chemotherapy is achieved, accordingly leading to a highly efficient antitumor outcome in vitro and in vivo. This strategy provides an ideal approach to constructing multimodal cancer therapy system. Statement of significance• Dual-responsive nanohybrids for combinatorial therapy of breast cancer.• The nanohybrids exhibit both HAase and GSH stimuli-responsive behavior.• The nanohybrids exhibit light-activated PDT/PTT/chemotherapy.• The nanohybrids show good biosafety for potential clinical application.

NIR Dye-Conjugated Maltodextrin for Photothermal Therapy of Cancer

Photothermal therapy (PTT) is one of recently emerging anticancer treatment modalities that involve the use of laser and photosensitizers. To fully explore the therapeutic potential of PTT, it is critical to deliver photosensitizers to tumors specifically. Maltodextrin is a hydrophilic polysaccharide consisting of D-glucose units and has been used as a pharmaceutical excipient because of its excellent biocompatibility. IR820 is a derivative of indocyanine green (ICG), a clinically used imaging agent and has potential as a photosensitizer for PTT. However, the clinical translation of IR820 has been limited by its lack of cancer targeting ability and poor stability in physiological environments. In this study, we hypothesized that IR820-conjugated maltodextrin (MDir) preferentially accumulates in tumors and serves as photothermal agents. Combination of MDir and near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation significantly increased the temperature, leading to photothermal-mediated apoptosis of cancer cells. In a mouse xenograft models, MDir preferentially accumulated in tumors and induced almost complete thermal ablation of tumors upon NIR laser irradiation. Based on its tumor targeting ability, photothermal conversion efficiency and excellent biocompatibility, we anticipate that MDir holds great translational potential as a fluorescence imaging-guided photothermal agent for cancer treatment.