Design, synthesis, and characterization of an Ag–Bi–S-based multifunctional nanotheranostic platform†

Abstract

This paper reports an Ag–Bi–S-based nanotheranostic platform with an ingeniously designed heterostructure, an appropriate size, and good imaging and therapy performances. By comparing the fluorescence property and Bi element content, the optimal heterostructure was demonstrated to be Ag₂S/Bi₂S₃ core/shell. The hydrophilic Ag₂S/Bi₂S₃-PEG nanocrystals with hydrodynamic diameter of 37.56 nm exhibited near-infrared-II fluorescence, good CT imaging contrast, and a high photothermal conversion efficiency (38.4%), and have shown significant potential in the precision diagnosis and treatment of tumors.