New-generation nanomaterials-mediated micro/nanoscale thermal therapy

Traditional thermal therapy techniques face several limitations, such as poor conformability, limited treatment range, and high recurrence rates. Nanomaterial-mediated micro/nanoscale thermal therapy represents the new generation of thermal treatment. This approach utilizes nanomaterials to convert energy from external physical fields into localized heat at the target site, thereby achieving therapeutic effects. It offers several advantages, such as enhanced conformability, remote controllability, and the potential for integration with multimodal diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Additionally, it can trigger various molecular events within tumor cells, activate anti-tumor immune responses, and prevent tumor recurrence and metastasis. Micro/nanoscale thermal therapy not only damages target cells but also regulates specific cellular activities, particularly through the control of the nervous system via thermosensitive ion channels—an area of growing interest in recent applications. This mini review explores the development of thermal therapy technologies, highlights the characteristics and advantages of nanomaterial-mediated micro/nanoscale thermal therapy, and examines its potential applications in tumor treatment and neural regulation.