WS2 nanosheets functionalized by biomimetic lipids with enhanced dispersibility for photothermal and chemo combination therapy

Abstract

Multi-component combination therapy of cancer is currently a hot spot in the field of cancer treatment research. In this study, a WS₂ nanosheet was selected as the substrate material and modified with a cell-like membrane biomimetic liposome (WS₂-lipid). The lipid-modified WS₂ nanomaterials were successfully prepared with good stability and biocompatibility. Its good photothermal characteristics and high drug loading amount were utilized to achieve a comprehensive chemo and photothermal therapeutic effect. The results showed that the lipid coating strongly enhanced the stability of the WS₂ nanosheets before and after DOX loading and the WS₂-lipid had a good photothermal performance and drug loading amount. According to the cellular results, WS₂-lipid was able to be taken up by MCF-7 cells. Both photothermo-therapy and chemotherapy had a concentration dependent cytotoxicity on MCF-7 cells, and the combined application of both methods had an improved cytotoxicity. In addition, in vivo photothermal experiments indicated that lipid modification could promote intratumoral accumulation of the material. Thus, WS₂-lipid can be used as a good nano-platform for phototherapy and chemotherapy combination therapy and has good application prospects in cancer therapy.