NIR-Triggered Multi-Mode Antitumor Therapy Based on Bi₂ Se₃ /Au Heterostructure with Enhanced Efficacy

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering

Background:

• Photocatalytic therapy (PCT) using semiconductor nanomaterials shows promise for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
• Narrow band gaps in traditional photocatalysts lead to electron-hole recombination, limiting PCT efficacy.
• Developing efficient photocatalysts is crucial for advanced cancer therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To fabricate Bi2Se3/Au heterostructures to overcome limitations in PCT.
• To enhance electron-hole separation and ROS generation for improved therapeutic outcomes.
• To develop a multifunctional nanoplatform for combined cancer therapy and diagnosis.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of Bi2Se3/Au heterostructures using in situ gold nanoparticle deposition.
• Characterization of material properties and photocatalytic activity.
• Integration with PLGA-PEG and doxorubicin (DOX) for drug delivery and photothermal therapy (PTT).
• Evaluation of infrared thermal (IRT) and computed tomography (CT) imaging capabilities.

Main Results:

• Bi2Se3/Au heterostructures demonstrated improved electron-hole separation and enhanced ROS generation.
• Density functional theory (DFT) calculations confirmed accelerated electron migration and increased photothermal efficiency.
• The Bi2Se3/Au@PLGA-PEG-DOX system exhibited photothermal-triggered drug release.
• Dual-modal IRT/CT imaging properties were observed for cancer diagnosis.
• Significant tumor inhibition was achieved through synergistic PTT, PCT, and chemotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Bi2Se3/Au heterostructures represent a promising platform for advanced PCT.
• The developed nanoplatform offers a multifunctional approach for cancer treatment and diagnosis.
• NIR light-triggered combination therapy demonstrates potent antitumor effects.