Molybdenum oxide nano-dumplings with excellent stability for photothermal cancer therapy and as a controlled release hydrogel

Abstract

MoO_3−x nanoparticles are a series of rising optothermal materials due to their surface plasmonic absorption features. However, their poor stability limits their further applications. Herein, a facile, one-step hydrothermal method was conducted to synthesize MoO_3−x nano-dots coated with polyvinyl pyrrolidone. The wrapped polymer chains give MoO_3−x good hydrophilicity and excellent stability. The constitutional formula for MoO_3−x was calculated to be MoO_2.63, as determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The as-synthesized MoO_2.63 nano-dumplings could be easily monodispersed in water or PBS solution and showed high tolerance against aging, heat, laser exposure and chemical etching. The superior absorption of the MoO_2.63 nano-dumplings in the near-infrared (NIR) region also endows them with promising potential for remote control microvalve application and photothermal cancer therapy effect.