Ultrathin Cu-TCPP MOF nanosheets: a new theragnostic nanoplatform with magnetic resonance/near-infrared thermal imaging for synergistic phototherapy of cancers

Abstract

Nanostructures based on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have promising potential as theragnostic nanoplatforms for phototherapy of cancer cells. However, the MOFs alone are seldom reported to be used as photothermal agents mainly due to their poor near-infrared (NIR) light absorption.Methods: Ultrathin copper-tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (Cu-TCPP) MOF nanosheets were prepared by a facile solvothermal route. The photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and T1-weighted magnetic resonance (MR) imaging capabilities and the high biocompatibility of these composite nanosheets were evaluated in vitro as well as in vivo in a mouse tumor model.Results: The ultrathin Cu-TCPP MOF nanosheets exhibited 1) strong NIR absorption because of the d-d energy band transition of Cu2+ and the ultrathin characteristic translating into excellent photothermal performance, 2) ability to produce singlet oxygen because of the inherent characteristic of TCPP, and 3) capability for MR imaging because of the unpaired 3d electrons of copper.Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that the Cu-TCPP MOF nanosheets are a promising phototherapy nanoplatform with the synergistic ability for PTT and PDT of cancer, guided by MR and infrared thermal imaging.

Porphyrin‐Based Metal–Organic Frameworks for Biomedical Applications

“…Wu et al. reported ultrathin 2D Cu‐TCPP MOF nanosheets for dual‐mode imaging‐guided phototherapy [67] . The Cu 2+ nodes in Cu‐TCPP nanosheets offered excellent photothermal properties for PTT, PTI, and T 1 ‐weighted MRI.…”

2D Nanomaterials for Cancer Theranostic Applications

“…These 2D MOF nanosheets showed a notable synergistic antitumor effect in vivo and efficient biodegradation and rapid renal clearance behaviors. In addition, Li et al demonstrated that Cu‐TCPP nanosheets are promising phototherapy nanoplatforms guided by MR imaging for achieving the combined PDT‐PTT treatment of cancer with significantly improved treatment efficacy (Figure B) . Recently, Lin and co‐workers reported Hf‐BPY‐Ir and Hf‐BPY‐Ru nanosheets as photosensitizers for highly effective X‐ray‐induced PDT of cancer .…”

“…B) Ultrathin Cu‐TCPP MOF nanosheets for MRI and infrared thermal imaging‐guided PTT/PDT. Reproduced with permission . Copyright 2018, Ivyspring International Publisher.…”

Photodynamic Therapy Based on Nanoscale Metal–Organic Frameworks: From Material Design to Cancer Nanotherapeutics

“…Under irradiation with NIR light, the photothermal agent converts light energy into heat energy and induces cell apoptosis by utilizing the sensitivity of cells to heat. When PTT and PDT are combined, PTT can enhance PDT because the rate of PS‐induced 1 O 2 production is significantly increased at elevated temperatures …”