Polycatechol nanosheet: a superior nanocarrier for highly effective chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy in vivo.

The integration of phototherapy and chemotherapy in a single system holds great promise to improve the therapeutic efficacy of tumor treatment, but it remains a key challenge. In this study, we describe our recent finding that polycatechol nanosheet (PCCNS) can be facilely prepared on a large scale via chemical polymerization at 4 °C, as an effective nanocarrier for loading high-density CuS nanocrystals as a photothermal agent. The resulting CuS/PCCNS nanocomposites exhibit good biocompatibility, strong stability, and a high photothermal conversion efficiency of ∼45.7%. The subsequent loading of anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox) creates a superior theranostic agent with pH- and heat-responsive drug release, leading to almost complete destruction of mouse cervical tumor under NIR laser irradiation. This development offers an attractive theranostic agent for in vivo chemo-photothermal synergistic therapy toward biomedical applications.

Herbal medicine for periodontal diseases.

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is a treasure-house which has shown miraculous clinical effects. It has aroused tremendous interests in elucidating its mechanisms both in China and abroad. This paper presents a review of published articles on the effects and mechanisms of herbal medicine on periodontal disease. Specifically, two modifications of an ancient compound prescription were serially studied, Guchiwan (Tooth-firming pills) and Guchigao (Tooth-firming extract). Some in vitro studies have shown suppressive effects of various herbal extracts on bone resorption by isolated osteoclasts. TCM should be intensively studied for their possible use in periodontics.