Two‐Dimensional Nanomaterials for Photothermal Therapy

Abstract

Two‐dimensional (2D) nanomaterials are currently explored as novel photothermal agents because of their ultrathin structure, high specific surface area, and unique optoelectronic properties. In addition to single photothermal therapy (PTT), 2D nanomaterials have demonstrated significant potential in PTT‐based synergistic therapies. In this Minireview, we summarize the recent progress in 2D nanomaterials for enhanced photothermal cancer therapy over the last five years. Their unique optical properties, typical synthesis methods, and surface modification are also covered. Emphasis is placed on their PTT and PTT‐synergized chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and immunotherapy. The major challenges of 2D photothermal agents are addressed and the promising prospects are also presented.

Two-dimensional metal carbides and nitrides (MXenes): preparation, property, and applications in cancer therapy

“…(ii) The large surface area makes MXenes host massive molecules for synergized therapy, including immune adjuvants, photosensitizers (PS), and chemotherapeutic drugs. (iii) Several compositions of MXenes, including Ti 2 CT x , Ti 3 C 2 T x , Nb 2 CT x , and Mo 2 C, have been tested to be nontoxic and biocompatible to biological organisms [75,76]. The reason for excellent biocompatibility might be that the metal in the "M" layer, such as Ti, Mo, and Nb, are relatively inert to living organisms, and other major elements, including nitride and carbon, are essential in the structure of biological organisms [75][76][77].…”

“…(iii) Several compositions of MXenes, including Ti 2 CT x , Ti 3 C 2 T x , Nb 2 CT x , and Mo 2 C, have been tested to be nontoxic and biocompatible to biological organisms [75,76]. The reason for excellent biocompatibility might be that the metal in the "M" layer, such as Ti, Mo, and Nb, are relatively inert to living organisms, and other major elements, including nitride and carbon, are essential in the structure of biological organisms [75][76][77]. Direct evidence for the biosafety and biocompatibility of MXenes is that it can be degraded and cleared from the body of mice [24].…”

“…Photothermal therapy is a method which converts light energy into heat energy via the photothermal transduction agents and kills tumor cells by generating heat. Compared to traditional tumor therapy, there are fewer side effects of the PTT [75,78]. The combination of imaging guidance and therapy was commonly adapted for efficient tumor treatment due to following reasons: (i) Some important information of the tumor, including the size, location, and shape, can be visualized by imaging.…”

Energy‐converting biomaterials for cancer therapy: Category, efficiency, and biosafety

“…Radioisotope therapy (RIT) and internal‐external beam RT (EBRT) have been extensively adopted in clinical cancer treatment (DuRoss, Neufeld, Rana, Thomas Jr., & Sun, 2019; Yang et al, 2020; Yao et al, 2018; Yu et al, 2019). Despite the satisfactory therapeutic efficacy of RT, it still has intrinsic dilemmas (Liu, Pan, & Liu, 2020; Pan et al, 2020). For instance, the rapid elimination and nonspecific distributions of radioisotope reduce therapeutic efficacy and increase the risk of normal organs during RIT.…”

Engineering Gadolinium‐Integrated Tellurium Nanorods for Theory‐Oriented Photonic Hyperthermia in the NIR‐II Biowindow

“…[4][5][6] Photonic hyperthermia with monitorable and noninvasive features has been regarded as an effective cure for eliminating tumor. [7][8][9][10] Noteworthy, photo-driven heat conversion nanomaterials are indispensable for photonic hyperthermia, which could convert the near-infrared (NIR) light energy to generate regional heat for inducing tumor apoptosis. [11][12][13][14] However, recent progress of photonic hyperthermia mainly focuses on the first near-infrared light (NIR-I, 750-1000 nm) biowindow.…”