Herein, we develop a novel and effective combination nanoplatform for cancer theranostics. Folic acid (FA) is first modified on the photothermal agent of polydopamine (PDA), which possesses excellent near-infrared (NIR) absorbance and thermal conversion features. Temperature-sensitive silver nanoclusters (AgNCs) are then synthesized on the DNA template that also loads the anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox). After accumulation in cancer cells, PDA generates cytotoxic heat upon excitation of NIR light for photothermal therapy. On the other hand, the temperature increment is able to destroy the template of AgNCs, leading to the fluorescence variation and controlled release of Dox for chemotherapy. The combined nanosystem exhibits outstanding fluorescence tracing, NIR photothermal transduction, as well as chemo drug delivery capabilities. Both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrate excellent tumor growth suppression phenomena and no apparent adverse effects. This research provides a powerful targeted nanoplatform for cancer theranostics, which may have great potential value for future clinical applications.
Keywords: DNA-templated silver nanoclusters; cell imaging; chemotherapy; photothermal therapy; polydopamine.