NIR/pH Dual-Responsive DOX-Loaded AuNRs@S-β-CD Nanocomposite for Highly Effective Chemo-photothermal Synergistic Therapy against Lung Cancer Cells

Chemo-photothermal therapy has attracted extensive research attention because of its synergistic effect in destroying cancer cells, which makes it one of the most effective treatments. Gold nanorods conjugated with thiolated beta-cyclodextrin loaded with doxorubicin (DOX), AuNRs@S-β-CD-DOX nanocomposite, for intracellular delivery were designed to enhance therapeutic efficacy and improve toxicity of gold nanorods. The UV–vis absorption spectra of the AuNRs@S-β-CD nanocomposite showed strong absorption in the NIR region (biological window), making it a promising candidate for both photothermal therapy and chemotherapy. With such a combined chemo-photothermal effect, the viability of A549 lung cancer cells in vitro is anticipated to be significantly reduced making it a promising biomedical material for cancer treatment. The results show good photothermal efficiency of gold nanorods, high loading capacity for DOX, and biocompatibility of the AuNRs@S-β-CD-DOX nanocomposite.