Heptamethine cyanine-based polymeric nanoparticles for photothermal therapy in HCT116 human colon cancer model

          This research emphasizes the potential of photothermal therapy (PTT) as an effective cancer treatment using nanomaterials. By utilizing photosensitizers that absorb near-infrared (NIR) light and convert it into heat, PTT can induce apoptosis in targeted cancer cells with minimal invasiveness. The inclusion of QuCy7 in the form of mPEG nanoparticles (NPs) enhances the biocompatibility and stability of the treatment, addressing key challenges of water solubility and photostability that commonly affect PTT agents. The innovative combination of sulfonate groups to improve solubility and the use of mPEG to enhance nanoparticle stability represent significant advancements in developing more efficient and reliable PTT strategies. This work contributes valuable insights into optimizing nanomaterials for cancer therapy, highlighting the potential for QuCy7@mPEG NPs as a promising, biocompatible agent for non-invasive cancer treatment.