Boron Imidazolate Framework-Derived Porous Carbon Nanospheres for Dual-Mode Bioimaging-Guided Photothermal/Sonodynamic Synergistic Cancer Therapy

Development of efficient nanotherapeutic agents to enhance anticancer therapeutic effects is challenging. In this study, photo/sono-dual-responsive boron imidazolate framework-derived single-component porous carbon nanospheres (PCNSs) are successfully developed for dual-mode bioimaging-guided photothermal/sonodynamic (PTT/SDT) synergistic therapy for triple-negative breast cancer. The PCNS not only exhibits satisfactory and excellent photothermal conversion ability under near-infrared laser irradiation but also demonstrates a promising capability as an efficient sonosensitizer to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species through inertial cavitation in response to low-intensity ultrasound stimulation. The outstanding photothermal effect enhances the blood flow in tumor tissues and thus improves the oxygen supply, helping to achieve a remarkable synergistic therapeutic effect in the PTT/SDT synergistic therapy without any tumor recurrence or systemic toxicity. Interestingly, the PCNS enables the precise visualization of solid tumors using contrast-enhanced ultrasound and photothermal dual-modal bioimaging techniques. Overall, this study provides valuable insights in developing all-in-one theranostic nanoplatforms for the clinical treatment of triple-negative breast cancer.