Near-infrared light-mediated photodynamic/photothermal therapy nanoplatform by the assembly of Fe3O4 carbon dots with graphitic black phosphorus quantum dots

Background: Recently, combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) has become a desired treatment for cancer. However, the development of economic, high-efficiency, and safe photosensitizers/photothermal agents remains a significant challenge. Methods: A novel nanocomposite has been developed via the assembly of iron oxide carbon dot (Fe 3 O 4 -CDs) nanoparticles and black phosphorus quantum dots (genipin [GP]-polyglutamic acid [PGA]-Fe 3 O 4 [email protected] ), and this nanocomposite shows a broad light-absorption band and a photodegradable character. Results: In vitro and in vivo assays indicated that GP-PGA-Fe 3 O 4 [email protected] were highly biocompatible and exhibited excellent tumor-inhibition efficacy, due to the synergistic PTT and PDT via a near-infrared laser. Importantly, in vivo tumor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) results illustrated that GP-PGA-Fe 3 O 4 [email protected] can be specifically applied for enhanced T 2 MRI of tumors. This work presents the first combined application of a PDT and PTT effect deriving from BPQDs and MRI from Fe 3 O 4 -CDs, which may promote utilization of black BPQDs in biomedicine. Conclusion: As expected, GP-PGA-Fe 3 O 4 [email protected] displayed a dramatically enhanced ability to destroy tumor cells, due to the synergistic combination of PTT and PDT.