Core-Shell-Structured Covalent-Organic Framework as a Nanoagent for Single-Laser-Induced Phototherapy

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology and Materials Science
• Biomedical Engineering
• Oncology

Background:

• Imaging-guided phototherapy, including photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), offers precision cancer treatment.
• A significant challenge is achieving combined phototherapy and multimodal imaging using a single laser.
• Covalent-organic frameworks (COFs) are emerging as versatile platforms for nanomedicine.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel multifunctional nanoagent for simultaneous cancer theranostics.
• To achieve combined PTT and PDT with triple-modal imaging under a single laser irradiation.
• To explore the potential of COF-based nanomaterials in advanced cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of a covalent-organic framework (COF)-based magnetic core-shell nanocomposite: FeO@COF-DhaTph.
• Evaluation of the nanoagent's photothermal and photodynamic therapeutic effects under 660 nm near-infrared (NIR) irradiation.
• Assessment of its capabilities for triple-modal imaging: magnetic resonance (MR), photoacoustic (PA), and near-infrared thermal (IR) imaging.

Main Results:

• The FeO@COF-DhaTph nanocomposite demonstrated significant photothermal and photodynamic effects for cancer treatment.
• The material enabled effective triple-modal imaging (MR/PA/IR) due to its magnetic and optical properties.
• Single 660 nm NIR laser irradiation successfully triggered both therapeutic modalities and imaging capabilities.

Conclusions:

• The developed FeO@COF-DhaTph nanoagent is a pioneering multifunctional platform for single-laser cancer theranostics.
• This COF-based material integrates potent therapeutic effects with advanced imaging modalities.
• The findings highlight the potential of COF-based nanomaterials for promoting precision cancer theranostics.