Near-infrared light-driven plasmonic catalysis empowers tumor nanotherapy

Life processes rely on a multitude of highly efficient catalytic reactions. The precise regulation of key reaction pathways holds significant potential for developing transformative strategies in tumor therapy. The use of near-infrared (NIR) light within the safe optical window of high tissue permeability is posited as a superior method of external energy supply for controllable regulation of biocatalytic reactions. Plasmonic nanomaterials have been demonstrated to possess exceptional capabilities for efficient utilization of NIR light to generate heat carriers that are essential for mediating catalytic processes. Moreover, their remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency, coupled with inherent biocompatibility and targeting capabilities, has positioned them as a recent major focus within the field of biomedical materials. Utilizing plasmonic catalysis to precisely and efficiently regulate biocatalytic processes within the tumor microenvironment has the potential to overcome the limitations of hypoxia and antioxidation, amplify the oxidative stress and reshape the tumor metabolism, providing a new strategy for tumor treatment. This review comprehensively introduces the fundamental principles of plasmonic catalysis and plasmonic materials, focusing on exploring the key mechanisms and biological effects of NIR light-driven plasmonic catalysis therapy (PCT) in terms of the consumption of endogenous reactants and the formation of therapeutic products. It also analyzes and outlines the current challenges in NIR light-driven PCT, aiming to provide novel insights and rational design principles for the development of plasmonic nanobiomaterials for highly efficient and precise tumor therapy.