Tumor-TargetingNIRF NanoGUMBOS with Cyclodextrin-EnhancedChemo/Photothermal Antitumor Activities

The near-infrared fluorescent (NIRF) dye, IR780, is recognized as a promising theranostic agent and has been widely investigated for imaging, chemotherapeutic, and phototherapeutic applications. However, its poor photostability and non-selective toxicities towards both cancer and normal cells limit its biological applications. Herein, we introduce the use of GUMBOS (a group of uniform materials based on organic salts) developed through counter-anion exchange with IR780, and subsequent nanomaterials (nanoGUMBOS) formed by complexation with cyclodextrin (CD) for enhanced chemo/photothermal therapy. Such CD-based nanoGUMBOS display improved aqueous stability, photostability, and photothermal effects relative to traditional IR780. Examination of in vitro cytotoxicity reveals that CD-based nanoGUMBOS are selectively toxic towards cancer cells, and exhibit synergistically enhanced cytotoxicity towards cancer cells upon NIR laser irradiation. Additionally, in vivo NIRF imaging demonstrated selective accumulation...