Multifunctional metallic nanomushrooms on nanowires for detecting and killing tumor cells

The fabrication and advancement of multifunctional nanomaterials have long been a focus of attention in applied research. This is primarily attributed to their ability to integrate multiple desirable properties into a single material system, which not only enhances operational efficiency but also reduces the reliance on complex multi-component systems. Using a facile physical approach, we synthesized multifunctional metallic alloy nanomushrooms on nanowire featuring high-targeting precision and intense photoluminescence. The alloy core of the nanomushrooms, with superior electrical conductivity, significantly improves photothermal conversion efficiency. Meanwhile, their unique mushroom-like morphology enables dense loading of targeting molecules. This design allows simultaneous tumor cell visualization via enhanced fluorescence and their elimination via photothermal ablation. Experimental validation confirms its potential as a theranostic agent, overcoming limitations of current photoluminescent nanomaterials in biomedicine. Multifunctional nanomaterials promise to boost biomedical applications by integrating diverse properties into single systems. Here, the authors synthesize metallic alloy nanomushrooms with enhanced photoluminescence and photothermal conversion, enabling precise tumor visualization and ablation; this innovative design offers a potent theranostic agent, addressing current limitations in photoluminescent nanomaterials for biomedicine.