A unique corrole-based metal–organic polymer for synergistic phototherapy

Abstract

Nanoscale metal–organic polymers (MOPs) have demonstrated great performance in photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) in recent years. However, incorporating synergistic PDT and PTT treatments into a single nanoagent normally requires a multistep production method. Corrole, a derivative of the porphyrin family, exhibits promising applications in phototherapy. Nevertheless, very few corrole-based organic polymer materials have been reported in the field of phototherapy. Herein, we present the successful synthesis of a unique corrole-based MOP (PFCC–Hf) assembled by the coordination of the corrolic dicarboxylate ligand PFCC with Hf using a simple solvothermal method. Interestingly, compared to the 40% cancer cell inhibition exhibited by DBP–Hf PDT, PFCC–Hf demonstrated superior synergistic PDT and PTT efficacies with 89% apoptosis of A375 cells in the in vitro anticancer study. This work highlights the potential of corrole-based metal–organic polymers for use in efficient phototherapy treatments.