Short-wave infrared computed tomography.

We demonstrate a short-wave infrared computed tomography method. It uses a fiber-coupled 1.44µm super-luminescent diode as light source, a PbSe photodiode as infrared detector, and an electronically controlled rotation and translation stage for high-speed Radon scanning. It is a safe and low power nondestructive testing method that can be used for the detection of plastic polymers, biological tissue and other materials that visible light cannot penetrate. We analyze the theoretical resolution of the method and build a short-wave infrared computed tomography system, which realizes the tomography and 3D reconstruction of black plastic bottles and artificial blood vessels. The measured resolution reaches10µm.

A novel targeted multifunctional nanoplatform for visual chemo-hyperthermia synergy therapy on metastatic lymph nodes via lymphatic delivery.

BACKGROUND: Distant metastasis to vital organs is the major contributor to breast cancer mortality, and regional lymph node metastasis is an important facilitator of distant metastasis and recurrence in this cancer. The early diagnosis and precise treatment of lymph node metastasis are crucial for staging and prognosis in breast cancer. Herein, we report a visualized precision medicine nanoplatform of metastatic lymph nodes for ultrasonic/photoacoustic (US/PA) dual modal imaging-guided in situ targeted hyperthermia-combined chemotherapy. RESULTS: Carbon nanoparticles (CNs), approved by the China Food and Drug Administration, were loaded with docetaxel and rationally combined with anti-hypoxia-inducible factor 1α antibody-modified poly (lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) nanoparticles to achieve the combination of passive targeting at the lymph nodes and intracellular targeting at HIF 1α factor. The accumulation and retention of nanoparticles in metastatic lymph nodes via lymphatic delivery were enhanced. Docetaxel could be effectively offloaded by CNs that have active carbon nanoparticles, and the PLGA membrane prevented drug leakage. The nanoparticles exhibited excellent photothermal performance with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 28.9%, killing tumor cells in metastatic lymph nodes through hyperthermia. In vitro and in vivo systematic evaluations revealed that hyperpyrexia triggered the rupture of nanoparticles caused by the phase transition of perfluorohexane, resulting in docetaxel release for achieving in situ hyperthermia-combined chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: The laser-triggered highly efficient in situ chemotherapy nanosystem achieves targeted synergistic chemo-hyperthermia treatment of metastatic lymph nodes, and lymphatic delivery represents a strategy to avoid additional injury caused by drugs entering the blood circulation.

Cancer cell membrane-coated nanoparticles for bimodal imaging-guided photothermal therapy and docetaxel-enhanced immunotherapy against cancer.

BACKGROUND: Mono-therapeutic modality has limitations in combating metastatic lesions with complications. Although emerging immunotherapy exhibits preliminary success, solid tumors are usually immunosuppressive, leading to ineffective antitumor immune responses and immunotherapeutic resistance. The rational combination of several therapeutic modalities may potentially become a new therapeutic strategy to effectively combat cancer. RESULTS: Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA, 50 mg) nanospheres were constructed with photothermal transduction agents (PTAs)-Prussian blue (PB, 2.98 mg) encapsulated in the core and chemotherapeutic docetaxel (DTX, 4.18 mg)/ immune adjuvant-imiquimod (R837, 1.57 mg) loaded in the shell. Tumor cell membranes were further coated outside PLGA nanospheres (designated "M@P-PDR"), which acted as "Nano-targeted cells" to actively accumulate in tumor sites, and were guided/monitored by photoacoustic (PA)/ magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. Upon laser irradiation, photothermal effects were triggered. Combined with DTX, PTT induced in situ tumor eradication. Assisted by the immune adjuvant R837, the maturation rate of DCs increased by 4.34-fold compared with that of the control. In addition, DTX polarized M2-phenotype tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) to M1-phenotype, relieving the immunosuppressive TME. The proportion of M2-TAMs decreased from 68.57% to 32.80%, and the proportion of M1-TAMs increased from 37.02% to 70.81%. Integrating the above processes, the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) increased from 17.33% (control) to 35.5%. Primary tumors and metastasis were significantly inhibited when treated with "Nano-targeted cells"-based cocktail therapy. CONCLUSION: "Nano-targeted cells"-based therapeutic cocktail therapy is a promising approach to promote tumor regression and counter metastasis/recurrence.

Mandibular Reconstruction Using Free Fibular Flap Graft Following Excision of Calcifying Epithelial Odontogenic Tumor.

ABSTRACT: The calcifying epithelial odontogenic tumor (CEOT) is a rare benign odontogenic tumor, which usually presents with distension of affected tissues. Radiologically, the lesions are often associated with an unerupted tooth and may have spot calcification shadows. The authors report a case of a CEOT in a 48-year-old male involving the right mandibular jaw bone and mentum soft tissues. The authors performed hemimandibulectomy and enucleation followed by reconstruction of the mandible using a vascularized free fibular flap through a digital surgical technique in order to restore the patient's facial symmetry and prepare the area for functional restorations. The case illustrates who the free fibular flap graft can be used for satisfactory mandibular reconstruction and restoration of the morphology and functions.

Biomarkers of environmental manganese exposure and associations with childhood neurodevelopment: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Although prior studies showed a correlation between environmental manganese (Mn) exposure and neurodevelopmental disorders in children, the results have been inconclusive. There has yet been no consistent biomarker of environmental Mn exposure. Here, we summarized studies that investigated associations between manganese in biomarkers and childhood neurodevelopment and suggest a reliable biomarker. METHODS: We searched PubMed and Web of Science for potentially relevant articles published until December 31th 2019 in English. We also conducted a meta-analysis to quantify the effects of manganese exposure on Intelligence Quotient (IQ) and the correlations of manganese in different indicators. RESULTS: Of 1754 citations identified, 55 studies with 13,388 subjects were included. Evidence from cohort studies found that higher manganese exposure had a negative effect on neurodevelopment, mostly influencing cognitive and motor skills in children under 6 years of age, as indicated by various metrics. Results from cross-sectional studies revealed that elevated Mn in hair (H-Mn) and drinking water (W-Mn), but not blood (B-Mn) or teeth (T-Mn), were associated with poorer cognitive and behavioral performance in children aged 6-18 years old. Of these cross-sectional studies, most papers reported that the mean of H-Mn was more than 0.55 µg/g. The meta-analysis concerning H-Mn suggested that a 10-fold increase in hair manganese was associated with a decrease of 2.51 points (95% confidence interval (CI), - 4.58, - 0.45) in Full Scale IQ, while the meta-analysis of B-Mn and W-Mn generated no such significant effects. The pooled correlation analysis revealed that H-Mn showed a more consistent correlation with W-Mn than B-Mn. Results regarding sex differences of manganese associations were inconsistent, although the preliminary meta-analysis found that higher W-Mn was associated with better Performance IQ only in boys, at a relatively low water manganese concentrations (most below 50 µg/L). CONCLUSIONS: Higher manganese exposure is adversely associated with childhood neurodevelopment. Hair is the most reliable indicator of manganese exposure for children at 6-18 years of age. Analysis of the publications demonstrated sex differences in neurodevelopment upon manganese exposure, although a clear pattern has not yet been elucidated for this facet of our study.

High-scale yield of nano hydroxyapatite through combination of mechanical activation and chemical dispersion.

The aim of this study is to develop a simple, convenient and effective approach to synthesize nano-sized hydroxyapatite (nano-HA) at high-scale yield. Nano-HA was wet synthesized in the presence or absence of alendronate sodium (ALN), one of bisphosphonates for anti-osteoporotic. Then aged and washed nano-HA precipitate was directly treated by mechanical activation combined with the chemical dispersion of ALN to prevent the agglomeration of nano-HA. ALN acted not only as a chemical dispersant but also as an orthopedic drug. In vitro release showed that ALN was released slowly from nano-HA. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed that nano-HA with size less than 100 nm appeared as single particle after being treated by mechanical activation combined with the dispersion of ALN (AMA-HA and MA-HA). High resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed that as-prepared nanoparticles were HA with low crystallinity and crystallite size. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) indicated that the phosphonate groups in ALN were introduced to bond with the Ca2+ of HA to impede the growth of HA crystal. Zeta potential illustrated that the absolute value of surface negative charge of nano-HA increased significantly with the addition of ALN, which inhibited the agglomeration of nano-HA. The present approach makes it feasible to produce nano-HA at high-scale yield, which provide the possibility to construct bone graft.

A preliminary study for novel use of two Mg alloys (WE43 and Mg3Gd).

In this study, two types of magnesium alloys (WE43 and Mg3Gd) were compared with Heal-All membrane (a biodegradable membrane used in guided bone regeneration) in vitro to determine whether the alloys could be used as biodegradable membranes. Degradation behavior was assessed using immersion testing with simulated body fluid (SBF). Microstructural characteristics before and after immersion were evaluated through scanning electron microscopy, and degradation products were analyzed with energy dispersive spectrometry (EDS). To evaluate the biocompatibility of the three types of materials, we performed cytotoxicity, adhesion, and mineralization tests using human osteoblast-like MG63 cells. Immersion testing results showed no significant difference in degradation rate between WE43 and Mg3Gd alloys. However, both Mg alloys corroded faster than the Heal-All membrane, with pitting corrosion as the main corrosion mode for the alloys. Degradation products mainly included P- and Ca-containing apatites on the surface of WE43 and Mg3Gd, whereas these apatites were rarely detected on the surface of the Heal-All membrane. All three type of materials exhibited good biocompatibility. In the mineralization experiment, the alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity of 10 % Mg3Gd extract was significantly higher than the extracts of the two other materials and the negative control. This study highlighted the potential of these Mg-REE alloys for uses in bone regeneration and further studies and refinements are obviously required.

A Periosteum-Bioinspired Electrospun Janus Membrane with Antibacterial and Osteogenic Dual Function.

For a guided bone regeneration membrane, it is critical to possess osteogenic capability while inhibiting infection caused by bacteria. Inspired by the bilayer structure of the native periosteum, an electrospun Janus membrane with osteogenic and antibacterial dual-function is fabricated for guided bone regeneration. Hydrophilic moxifloxacin (MXF) and hydrophobic icariin (ICA) are loaded in the nanofibers made of a mixture of polycaprolactone and gelatin at the top and bottom layers, respectively, leading to the opposing hydrophilic/hydrophobic properties of the bilayer Janus membranes. The as-obtained Janus membrane exhibits excellent physical properties (tensile strength > 6.0 MPa) and robust biocompatibility, indicating the immense potential as a suitable replacement for the native periosteum. The membrane has a superior surface morphology and outstanding degradation performance in vitro. Besides, the rapid release of MXF and the slow release of ICA can meet the different needs of drug release rates. Only ≈30% ICA is released from the as-obtained Janus membrane after 21 d while almost 80% MXF is released. Mimicking the bilayer structure of the native periosteum, the electrospun Janus membrane containing ICA and MXF exhibits excellent comprehensive properties, which provides a promising strategy for preparing multifunctional scaffolds for tissue engineering.

Draft genome assemblies of the ponerine ant Odontoponera transversa and the carpenter ant Camponotus friedae (Hymenoptera: Formicidae).

OBJECTIVES: Ants are ecologically dominant insects in most terrestrial ecosystems, with more than 14,000 extant species in about 340 genera recorded to date. However, genomic resources are still scarce for most species, especially for species endemic in East or Southeast Asia, limiting the study of phylogeny, speciation and adaptation of this evolutionarily successful animal lineage. Here, we assemble and annotate the genomes of Odontoponera transversa and Camponotus friedae, two ant species with a natural distribution in China, to facilitate future study of ant evolution. DATA DESCRIPTION: We obtained a total of 16 Gb and 51 Gb PacBio HiFi data for O. transversa and C. friedae, respectively, which were assembled into the draft genomes of 339 Mb for O. transversa and 233 Mb for C. friedae. Genome assessments by multiple metrics showed good completeness and high accuracy of the two assemblies. Gene annotations assisted by RNA-seq data yielded a comparable number of protein-coding genes in the two genomes (10,892 for O. transversa and 11,296 for C. friedae), while repeat annotations revealed a remarkable difference of repeat content between these two ant species (149.4 Mb for O. transversa versus 49.7 Mb for C. friedae). Besides, complete mitochondrial genomes for the two species were assembled and annotated.

Mussel-inspired polydopamine-modified biochar microsphere for reinforcing polylactic acid composite films: Emphasizing the achievement of excellent thermal and mechanical properties.

Having poor interfacial compatibility between biochar microsphere (BM) and polylactic acid (PLA) should be responsible for the unbalance of composite film strength and toughness. Elucidating the effect of polydopamine (PDA) on BM and BM/PLA composite films is the ultimate goal of this study based on the mussel bionic principle. It was found that the strong adhesion of PDA on the BM surface was achieved, which improved the surface roughness and thermal stability. Also, PDA modification can facilitate crystallization, increase thermal properties, improve interfacial compatibility, and enhance the tensile properties of BM/PLA composite films. Silane-based PDA modified BM/PLA composite film exhibited the best tensile strength, tensile modulus, and elongation at break with 77.95 MPa, 1.87 GPa, and 7.30%. These noteworthy findings, achieving a simultaneous improvement in PLA strength and toughness, hold promising implications for its sustainability.

New strategy for reinforcing polylactic acid composites: Towards the insight into the effect of biochar microspheres.

Having even particle size and regular morphology of biochar microspheres (BM) provides the possibility for preparing polylactic acid (PLA) films. Hence, the novelty is proposing a strategy for reinforcing PLA by BM. It was found that BM exhibited regular morphology, higher thermal stability, even particle size, and better pore characteristics. Although adding BM decreased the toughness of PLA due to the poor compatibility between BM and PLA, the nucleation effect of BM facilitated the crystallization in the PLA system. The tensile strength and modulus of BM/PLA composite films increased first and then decreased with increasing BM content. The stress concentration formed by BM particle agglomeration was responsible for the tensile strength and modulus decreases of BM/PLA composite films under higher BM addition. 2% BM added and 3% added composite films exhibited the best tensile strength and modulus with 64.99 MPa and 1.59 GPa, which was mainly attributed to the proper proportion of BM to PLA and the uniform distribution of BM in PLA. The results of this study confirmed the positive reinforcing effect of BM in PLA and are expected to be available in the composite film field.

Modified internal sinus elevation for patients with low residual bone height: A retrospective clinical study.

BACKGROUND: We have modified the internal sinus elevation by combining it with the sinus mucoperiosteum stripping procedure, which further increases the indications for the internal lift. Similar long-term clinical follow-up studies and three-dimensional finite element analyses are rare. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the feasibility of the modified internal sinus floor elevation method in patients with low residual bone height using a three-dimensional (3D) finite element model and report on the long-term outcomes. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Overall, 99 implants were placed in 86 patients. All patients were followed-up for 3-24 months. The modified internal sinus floor elevation was dynamically simulated using a 3D finite element model, and the stress of the sinus membrane was measured. RESULTS: In trial group A (modified internal sinus floor elevation group), 57 implants were placed in 52 patients. The sinus floor height was lifted by 6.5 mm (95%confidence interval (CI): 6.2-6.8). The perforation rate was 8.8%, and the implant survival rate was 96.5%. In control group B (external sinus floor elevation group), 42 implants were placed in 34 patients. The sinus floor height was lifted by 8.8 mm (95%CI: 8.4-9.3). The perforation rate was 14.3%, and the implant survival rate was 100%. In trial group A, compared with the control group B, perforation decreased by 5.5% (odds ratio = 0.50 and 95%CI: 0.14-1.78; p = 0.282), and the sinus floor lift height was 2.3 mm lower (95%CI, 1.8-2.9; p < 0.001). The finite element analysis showed that the peak stress of the sinus membrane increased with an increase in height elevation and degree of membrane separation. CONCLUSION: Our findings indicate the positive clinical outcomes in patients with low RBH associated with the modified internal sinus elevation procedure.

Does the Efficacy of Behavior Management Techniques Differ Between Children From Single-Child and Multi-Child Families?: A Quasi-Experimental Study.

Aim: Behavior management techniques (BMTs) efficiently deliver dental treatment to children with dental anxiety. The objective of this quasi-experimental study was to examine whether the efficacy of BMTs applied for the improvement of compliance in pediatric patients differs between children 3-10-year-olds from single-child and multi-child families. Materials and Methods: In this quasi-experimental, 197 caregiver-child couples were divided into two groups: single-child group (116 couples) and multi-child group (81 couples). Children's pre- and post-treatment anxiety levels were measured by facial mood scale (FMS) and Frankl Behavior Rating Scale (FBRS), respectively.Caregivers' dental anxiety was measured by the Chinese version of the Modified Dental Anxiety Scale (MDAS), which was included in the self-designed questionnaire. Data were analyzed by using the Mann-Whitney U-test, chi-square tests, and binary multivariate regression analysis. Results: There was no statistically significant difference in the demographic characteristics of the children between the two groups. BMTs were found to be capable of reducing children's dental anxiety (CDA): the compliance rate was 45.69-88.79% in the single-child group and 44.44-85.79% in the multi-child group pre- and post-BMTs, but there was no significant difference in the change of compliance between the two groups (p > 0.05). In the subgroup analysis, parenting style (odds ratio [OR] = 0.054, p < 0.05) and father's education (OR = 8.19, p < 0.05) affected the varies of children's compliance in the single-child group. In contrast, in the multi-child group, gender (OR = 8.004, p < 0.05) and mother's occupation (OR = 0.017, p < 0.05) were associated with these changes in compliance. Conclusions: In this study, BMTs were proved to be beneficial in improving compliance in 3- to 10-year-olds children in dental treatment. Though there was no significant difference in the change of compliance between children from single-child and multi-child families, different associated factors may affect the two groups. Therefore, the related family factors should be taken into account when professionals manage each child's behavior in dental practice.

The applications of polysaccharides in dentistry.

Polysaccharides are natural polymers widely present in animals, plants, and several microorganisms. Polysaccharides have remarkable properties, including easy extractions, degradability, and renewability, and have no apparent toxicity, making them ideal for biomedical applications. Moreover, polysaccharides are suitable for repairing oral tissue defects and treating oral diseases due to their excellent biocompatibility, biosafety, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties. The oral cavity is a relatively complex environment vulnerable to numerous conditions, including soft tissue diseases, hard tissue disorders, and as well as soft and hard tissue diseases, all of which are complex to treat. In this article, we reviewed different structures of natural polysaccharides with high commercial values and their applications in treating various oral disease, such as drug delivery, tissue regeneration, material modification, and tissue repair.

A Cell Membrane Fluorogenic Probe for Gram-Positive Bacteria Imaging and Real-Time Tracking of Bacterial Viability.

Bacterial infections are a global healthcare problem, resulting in serious clinical morbidities and mortality. Real-time monitoring of live bacteria by fluorescent imaging technology has potential in diagnosis of bacterial infections, elucidating antimicrobial agents' mode of action, assessing drug toxicity, and examining bacterial antimicrobial resistance. In this work, a naphthalimide-derived fluorescent probe ZTRS-BP was developed for wash-free Gram-positive bacteria imaging. The probe aggregated in aqueous solutions and exhibited aggregation-caused fluorescence quenching (ACQ). The interaction with Gram-positive bacteria cell walls would selectively disaggregate the probe and the liberated probes were dispersed on the outside of the bacteria cell walls to achieve surface fluorescence imaging. There were no such interactions with Gram-negative bacteria, which indicates that selective binding and imaging of Gram-positive bacteria was achieved. The binding of zinc ions by ZTRS-BP can enhance the fluorescent signals on the bacterial surface by inhibiting the process of photoinduced electron transfer. ZTRS-BP-Zn(II) complex was an excellent dye to discriminate mixed Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Also, live and dead bacteria can be differentially imaged by ZTRS-BP-Zn(II). Furthermore, ZTRS-BP-Zn(II) was used for real-time monitoring bacteria viability such as B. cereus treated with antibiotic vancomycin.

Biocompatible exosomes nanodrug cargo for cancer cell bioimaging and drug delivery.

Therapy against cancer remains a daunting issue for human health, despite remarkable innovations in many areas of pathology. In situ biosynthesized nanoclusters bestow a novel remedy for carcinogenic cell imaging. Exosomes have received special attention as an efficient tool for the diagnosis of various diseases, including cancers. All types of cells (healthy or diseased) generate exosomes, making them significantly unique for relevant disease diagnosis and treatment. In this contribution, we exploit the possibility of utilizing the exosomes to facilitate chemotherapeutics, viz. the combination of doxorubicin (Dox) and biosynthesized silver nanoclusters in cancer cells. Our study showed a new facile way for bioimaging of cancer cells using biosynthesized silver-DNA nanoclusters, and thus further targeting cancer cells using the relevant cancer exosomes as drug delivery cargo. After isolating exosomes from neoplastic cells, i.e. HeLa, loaded with the drug, and treating other neoplastic cells with cargo-loaded isolated exosomes, we found that cargo-loaded isolated exosomes can readily enter into the targeted cancer cells and efficiently kill these neoplastic cells. This raises the possibility of acting as a novel facile modality for target cancer theranostics with high efficiency and biocompability.

Extreme intrusive force affects the expression of c-Fos and matrix metallopeptidase 9 in human dental pulp tissues.

This study aimed to investigate the expression of c-Fos and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP-9) in dental pulp of patients receiving orthodontic treatment via wire appliance.Fifteen patients (30 teeth in total) were randomly assigned to five groups: t = 0, t = 1, t = 4, t = 8 and t = 12 (n = 6). The first maxillary premolars of patients in the t = 0 group were extracted without any orthodontic treatment. An intrusive force of 300 g was applied on first maxillary premolars in the other four groups via wire appliances. This force was maintained for 1 week for t = 1 group, 4 weeks for t = 4 group, 8 weeks for t = 8 group, or 12 weeks for t = 12 group, before the teeth were extracted.The expression of c-Fos and MMP-9 in the pulps of each group was analyzed by immunohistochemical staining and real-time PCR. The relationship in the protein expression between c-Fos and MMP-9 in the dental pulp was analyzed by Pearson correlation analysis.Intrusive force of 300 g increased the expression of both c-Fos and MMP-9 in the dental pulp. The protein expression of MMP-9 in the dental pulp was significantly correlated with the expression of c-Fos (P < .001).Extreme intrusive force upregulates c-Fos and MMP-9 expression in the dental pulp. Moreover, protein expression of c-Fos and MMP-9 is significantly correlated under intrusive force.

Light-Responsive Core-Shell Nanoplatform for Bimodal Imaging-Guided Photothermal Therapy-Primed Cancer Immunotherapy.

Photothermal therapy (PTT) as a noninvasive and effective thermal therapeutic approach has attracted tremendously increasing interest because it can effectively eliminate the primary tumor and generate tumor-associated antigens, which could elicit antitumor immune responses. Herein, we report on the rational design and fabrication of copper sulfide (CuS)-based nanoplatform for cancer photothermal immunotherapy. The as-prepared core-shell CuS@mSiO2-PFP-PEG (CPPs) nanocomposites possess high biocompatibility, photoacoustic (PA)/ultrasound (US) imaging, and strong PTT effect upon 808 nm laser irradiation, indicating that the nanocomposites have a promising application in diagnosis and treatment of breast cancer with molecular classification. Importantly, we also elucidated that the CPP-triggered PTT in combination with anti-PD-1 checkpoint blockade therapy can not only obliterate primary tumor but also inhibit metastatic tumor in tumor-bearing mice. We believe that the CPPs have a good probability to serve as a useful nanoplatform for PTT, and this approach may provide a promising strategy for tumor-therapeutic modality with immunotherapy.

Fluorescence imaging-guided multifunctional liposomes for tumor-specific phototherapy for laryngeal carcinoma.

Reliable diagnosis and efficient targeted therapy are important and may lead to the effective treatment of laryngeal carcinoma. Multifunctional nano-theranostic agents demonstrate great potential in tumor theranostic applications. Thus, herein, we report novel targeting multifunctional theranostic nanoparticles, internalized RGD (iRGD)-modified indocyanine green (ICG) encapsulated liposomes (iLIPICG), for imaging-guided photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the treatment of laryngeal carcinoma. The iRGD-PEG-DSPE lipid endowed iLIPICG with high affinity for tumor vascular targeting, tumor-penetration and tumor cell targeting. The in vivo results showed that iLIPICG exhibited excellent blood circulation and tumor accumulation. iLIPICG could be spatially and temporally controlled, simultaneously producing hyperthermia and reactive oxygen species as well as a fluorescence-guided effect through ICG to ablate laryngeal carcinoma cells under irradiation from an 808 nm laser. iLIPICG generated synergistic photodynamic-photothermal cytotoxicity against Hep-2 cells, resulting in the efficient ablation of laryngeal carcinoma. Thus, the iLIPICG system provides a promising strategy to improve the precision imaging and effective phototherapy for the treatment of laryngeal carcinoma.

Responsive agarose hydrogel incorporated with natural humic acid and MnO2 nanoparticles for effective relief of tumor hypoxia and enhanced photo-induced tumor therapy.

In spite of widespread applications of nano-photosensitizers, poor tumor penetration and severe hypoxia in the tumor microenvironment (TME) always result in an undesirable therapeutic outcome of photodynamic therapy (PDT). Herein, a biocompatible agarose-based hydrogel incorporated with sodium humate (SH), manganese oxide (MnO2) and chlorin e6 (Ce6) was synthesized as agarose@SH/MnO2/Ce6 through a "co-trapped" strategy during a sol-gel process and employed for combined photothermal therapy (PTT) and enhanced PDT. NIR-induced local hyperthermia is responsible for not only activating Ce6 release, but also triggering the catalytic decomposition of H2O2 mediated by MnO2 to relieve hypoxia. Such a hybrid hydrogel can realize deep tissue penetration through intratumoral injection, and exhibit remarkable tumor-site retention. Moreover, programmed laser irradiation led to an extremely high tumor growth inhibition rate of 93.8% in virtue of enhanced PTT/PDT. In addition, ultralow systemic toxicity caused by the hybrid hydrogel was further demonstrated in vivo. This reliable and eco-friendly hydrogel paves the way for the development of smart gel-based biomaterials, which respond to both exogenous and endogenous stimuli, towards the management of cancer and other major diseases.