NIR Triggered Fluorescence Imaging and Synergistic Ablation of Cervical Cancer Using ICG-Loaded CuO Nanoleaves via Photothermal-Augmented ROS Amplification.

Developing Cu-based nanocatalysts capable of generating sufficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) to effectively inhibit tumor cell growth remains a significant challenge. In this study, we introduce a distinctive copper oxide nanocarrier with a unique leaf-like lamina structure and layered mesopores. Indocyanine Green (ICG) is encapsulated within the mesopores, and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) groups are attached to the surface. This nanoplatform demonstrates efficient accumulation in tumor areas, serving as a near-infrared (NIR) fluorescent contrast agent for tumor imaging. Remarkably, under NIR laser irradiation, the nanoplatform exhibits high photothermal conversion efficiency, which enhances ROS production through localized heating. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments confirm that our nanoleaf structure effectively prevents tumor growth. These results underscore the potential of CuO-based nanocomposites activated by tumor microenvironment stimuli as chemodynamic nanoagents, enabling malignant cancer destruction through a synergistic effect with NIR light.