Metal-free two-dimensional nanomaterial-mediated photothermal tumor therapy

Abstract

The remarkable advances in nanobiotechnology have led to the rapid development of various innovative therapeutics against oncology. Two-dimensional (2D) nanomaterials with unique nanosheet structure and prominent physiochemical properties hold huge potential for photothermal tumor treatment. Among them, metal-free 2D nanomaterials such as 2D carbon materials, 2D boron-based nanomaterials, black phosphorous and 2D organic polypyrrole nanosheets, have attracted broad attention of the scientific community in recent years due to their excellent biocompatibility and biosafety. In this review, the mechanism of photothermal therapy (PTT), the latest progresses in the development of metal-free 2D nanomaterials for cancer PTT are summarized. Moreover, the challenges and perspectives of them for future clinical translation are also discussed.

Keywords

• Metal-free
• Two-dimensional nanomaterials
• Photothermal therapy
• Tumor