NIR-II-Absorbing NDI Polymer with Superior Penetration Depth for Enhanced Photothermal Therapy Efficiency of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinomas (HCC) have a high morbidity and mortality rate, and is difficult to cure and prone to recurrence when it has already developed. Therefore, early detection and efficient treatment of HCC is necessary. Methods: In this study, we synthesized a novel NDI polymer with uniform size, long-term stability, and high near-infrared two-zone (NIR-II) absorption efficiency, which can greatly enhance the effect of photothermal therapy (PTT) after intravenous injection into Huh-7-tumor bearing mice. Results: The in vitro and in vivo studies showed that NDI polymer exhibited excellent NIR-guided PTT treatment, and the antitumor effect was approximately 88.5%, with obvious antimetastatic effects. Conclusion: This study developed an NDI polymer-mediated integrated diagnostic and therapeutic modality for NIR-II fluorescence imaging and photothermal therapy. Keywords: hepatocellular carcinoma, photothermal therapy, NDI polymer, NIR-II imaging