Conjugated polymer microparticles for selective cancer cell image-guided photothermal therapy

Abstract

We report conjugated polymers (CPs) microparticles (MPs) for selective cancer cell image-guided photothermal therapy. The CPMPs without surface functionalization can target MCF-7 cancer cells over NIH-3T3 normal cells, while nanoparticles need surface decoration to possess selectivity. Benefitting from large absorption, bright fluorescence, and efficient light-to-heat conversion of CPs, the fabricated MPs can selectively kill MCF-7 cells under NIR infrared laser irradiation.