Logic gate controlled theranostic nanoagents for in situ microwave thermal therapeutic efficacy evaluation.

In vivo monitoring of treatment response is of great significance for tumor therapy in clinical trials, but it remains a formidable challenge. Herein, we demonstrate a logic AND gate theranostic nanoagent that responds to the coexistence of endogenous and exogenous stimuli, namely HAuCl ₄ @1-Tetradecanol@Gd-based metal-organic framework@SiO ₂ nanocomposites (APGS NCs). Upon microwave (MW) irradiation, HAuCl ₄ in the inner part of APGS NCs reacts with the tumor-associated glutathione (GSH). Subsequently, it transforms into an active luminescent form of Au@1-Tetradecanol@Gd-MOF@SiO ₂ nanocomposites (AuPGS NCs). The intensity of generated fluorescence is correlated with the tumor thermal-injury status. Thus, the generation of AuPGS NCs with high intensity fluorescence under the co-activation of MW and GSH can visualize the treatment effects during MW thermal therapy and instantly modulate the irradiation time and range for optimal outcomes. Hence, this logic gate controlled APGS NCs makes MW thermal therapy eliminate tumor cells completely. This research offers an effective strategy for the design and preparation of activatable theranostic nanoagents for precise tumor imaging and therapy.
Competing Interests: Declaration of competing interest The authors declare the following financial interests/personal relationships which may be considered as potential competing interests: Xianwei Meng, Ping Liang reports financial support was provided by National Natural Science Foundation of China. Jun Ren reports financial support was provided by Beijing Natural Science Foundation.
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