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

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 were successfully linked to one side of Cu 2-x Se@Au nanoparticles to form a Janus structure, which was 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.