Nanomaterials formulations for photothermal and photodynamic therapy of cancer

Nanomaterials with well-defined size, shape, composition, and surface functionalities offer multimodal and multifunctional platforms for various bioanalytical, bioimaging, and therapeutic applications. In this review, we focus on the different theranostic formulations of nanomaterials based on gold, silver, silica, semiconductor quantum dots, upconversion lanthanides, oxide magnets, polymers, liposomes, carbon nanotubes, graphene and carbon nanohorns, and their applications in photothermal and photodynamic therapy of cancer.

Graphical abstract.Figure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Organic and bioconjugation of nanomaterials formulate nanomedicine. ► Antibodies/peptide conjugation helps drug delivery. ► Photoactivation of nanomedicine formulations produces local heating or reactive oxygen intermediates. ► Photoactivation of the nanomedicine offers new dimensions for phototherapy of cancer.