Biocompatible Cup‐Shaped Nanocrystal with Ultrahigh Photothermal Efficiency as Tumor Therapeutic Agent

As an emerging treatment for cancer, phototherapy has received much clinical attention. Here, a multifunctional Au nanocup (Au NC) for the targeted computed tomographic and photoacoustic imaging of cancerous tumors and phototherapy is reported. The Au NC has an intrinsic photothermal conversion efficiency of 38.5% and offers a tumor‐specific targeted computed tomographic and photoacoustic imaging system. Furthermore, when treated with nontoxic Au NC‐Ce6, cancer cells and tumors are obliterated with low doses of irradiation and safe power levels, with both photothermal and photodynamic therapeutic effects, in vitro and vivo. These data provide a solid foundation for the clinical application of Au NC.