ꞵ-Cu2V2O7/Cs NIR (II) responsive nanocomposite for synergistic chemodynamic/photothermal therapy with multi-modal imaging in hepatocellular carcinoma

Developing nanomedicine with dual therapeutic and imaging capabilities is a challenging endeavor. In this study, copper vanadate nanosheets modified with carbon nanospheres (β-Cu₂V₂O₇/Cs NCs) nanocomposites were synthesized using a simple hydrothermal method. These NCs effectively combine chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT), addressing the limitations of single treatments and enhancing antitumor effects. The synthesized NCs generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (•OH) via the Fenton reaction with overexpressed H₂O₂ in the tumor microenvironment. At the same time, Cs absorb near-infrared (NIR) light, causing a localized temperature rise for PTT. Additionally, copper (Cu) is an MRI and CT imaging agent due to its low toxicity and biocompatibility. The NCs achieved a photothermal conversion efficiency (ꞃ) of 59.5 % and demonstrated high antitumor efficacy, killing 80 % of HepG-2 cells in vitro through G1 phase cell cycle arrest and metabolic reprogramming. In vivo, the tumor inhibition rate (TGI) reached 95 % with no observable toxicity, confirmed by staining analysis. This study highlights a versatile and biocompatible nano platform for synergistic cancer therapy and multimodal imaging applications.