Gallium-based liquid metal micro/nanoparticles for photothermal cancer therapy

Gallium-based liquid metals have attracted significant interest in the biomedical field due to their unique properties such as low viscosity, good fluidity, high thermal/electrical conductivity, and good biocompatibility. Meanwhile, photothermal therapy has made great development in the field of antitumor with its advantages of low adverse effects, high specificity, and repeatable treatment. The photothermal capability possessed by gallium-based liquid metals makes them show unparalleled advantages in photothermal therapy. Liquid metal-based photothermal therapy has progressed in recent years and can perform a vital role in accurate and noninvasive antitumor therapy. Herein, a review of the major preparation methods of liquid metal micro/nanoparticles, the mechanism of liquid metal photothermal conversion, and discussions on the factors affecting the photothermal properties of liquid metals are presented. The biological applications of liquid metal photothermal therapy in synergy with other therapies are discussed, as well as the current challenges and opportunities for the clinical translation of liquid metals in biomedical applications.