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A Biomimetic Au-Polyphenol-CuS Photothermal Agent with Acid-Triggered Disassembly for Enhanced Photothermal
Xin Wan1, Wensong Wang1, Enze Tian2
1Hubei Key Laboratory of Plasma Chemistry and Advanced Materials, School of Materials Science and Engineering, Wuhan Institute of Technology, Wuhan 430205, China.
Inorganic Chemistry
|November 7, 2025
Summary
Researchers developed a novel virus-mimicking nanomaterial for enhanced photothermal therapy. This biomimetic design improves cellular uptake and deep tissue penetration, boosting treatment efficacy for cancer.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Photothermal agents (PTAs) face limitations in cellular uptake and efficiency.
- Nanomaterials offer improved stability but require optimization for therapeutic applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design a multicomponent inorganic-organic hybrid PTA with virus-mimicking morphology and stimuli-responsive properties.
- To enhance cellular internalization and photothermal conversion efficiency for improved cancer therapy.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized star-shaped GEC nanoassemblies by functionalizing gold nanostars (GNS) with pH-responsive epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) and growing CuS.
- Utilized a biomimetic design incorporating GNS plasmonics, EGCG acid-triggered disassembly, and a virus-mimetic CuS layer.
- Investigated structural characteristics, pH-responsive size transitions, and cellular uptake in 4T1 cells.
Main Results:
- The GEC nanoassemblies exhibited enhanced near-infrared light absorption and synergistic photothermal conversion efficiency.
- Cellular uptake of GEC by 4T1 cells was 4.5-fold higher than unmodified GNS due to virus-like surface and acid-responsive properties.
- The EGCG network disintegrated in acidic tumor environments, facilitating CuS shell shedding and deep tissue penetration.
Conclusions:
- The developed GEC nanoassemblies represent a rational biomimetic strategy for stimuli-responsive inorganic-organic hybrids.
- This approach optimizes photothermal performance through biomimetic engineering, offering a promising platform for enhanced cancer therapy.
