One arrow two eagles: design and synthesis of “all-in-one” nanoscale Cu-IR825 nanoparticles for photothermally augmented chemodynamic therapy

Abstract

The combination of photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT) has shown great promise in tumor treatment. However, developing a nanoplatform that integrates efficient photothermal conversion, photothermally enhanced Fenton-like reaction activity, and ideal biodegradability remains a significant challenge. In this study, we successfully synthesized Cu-IR825 nanoparticles using a simple one-step coordination-driven self-assembly strategy, which exhibit effective photothermal-enhanced chemodynamic combined therapy. These nanoparticles are formed by coordinating the near-infrared dye IR825 with Cu²⁺ via carboxyl groups, with an average size of approximately 100 nm. The nanoparticles exhibit strong light absorption in the near-infrared region, with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 33.4%, and excellent photothermal stability. Additionally, the Cu²⁺ component provides significant Fenton-like catalytic activity, and the localized thermal effects generated by PTT further enhance the Fenton-like reaction rate by 1.68 fold, enabling “photothermal-enhanced CDT”. In a tumor-bearing mouse model, intravenous injection of Cu-IR825/PEG nanoparticle dispersion resulted in a tumor inhibition rate of 87.5% in the combined PTT–CDT group. Notably, the coordination-driven self-assembly structure, based on non-covalent coordination bonds, enables Cu-IR825 nanoparticles to degrade efficiently and be rapidly cleared in vivo. Hematological, histological, and biodistribution studies confirmed their excellent biocompatibility and biosafety. This research not only presents an efficient and safe “all-in-one” nano-platform for theranostics, but also provides a novel approach for developing biodegradable coordination-driven self-assembled nano-drugs for synergistic cancer therapy.