Temperature‐Sensitive Polymer‐Driven Nanomotors for Enhanced Tumor Penetration and Photothermal Therapy

Abstract

Abstract Self‐propelled nanomotors possess strong propulsion and penetration abilities, which can increase the efficiency of cellular uptake of nanoparticles and enhance their cytotoxicity against tumor cells, opening a new path for treating major diseases. In this study, the concept of driving nanomotors by alternately stretching and contracting a temperature‐sensitive polymer (TS‐P) chain is proposed. The TS‐Ps are successfully linked to one side of Cu 2‐x Se@Au (CS@Au) nanoparticles to form a Janus structure, which is designated as Cu 2‐x Se@Au‐polymer (CS@Au‐P) nanomotors. Under near‐infrared (NIR) light irradiation, Cu 2‐x Se nanoparticles generate photothermal effects that change the system temperature, triggering the alternation of the TS‐P structure to generate a mechanical force that propels the motion of CS@Au‐P nanomotors. The nanomotor significantly improved the cellular uptake of nanoparticles and enhanced their penetration and accumulation in tumor. Furthermore, the exceptional photothermal conversion efficiency of CS@Au‐P nanomotors suggests their potential as nanomaterials for photothermal therapy (PTT). The prepared material exhibited good biocompatibility and anti‐tumor effects both in vivo and in vitro, providing new research insights into the design and application of nanomotors in tumor therapy.