Hybrid Polypyrrole and Polydopamine Nanosheets for Precise Raman/Photoacoustic Imaging and Photothermal Therapy

Abstract

AbstractThe development of near‐infrared light responsive conductive polymers provides a useful theranostic platform for malignant tumors by maximizing spatial resolution with deep tissue penetration for diagnosis and photothermal therapy. Herein, the self‐assembly of ultrathin 2D polypyrrole nanosheets utilizing dopamine as a capping agent and a monolayer of octadecylamine as a template is demonstrated. The 2D polypyrrole‐polydopamine nanostructure has tunable size distribution which shows strong absorption in the first and second near‐infrared windows, enabling photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy. The hybrid double‐layer is demonstrated to increase Raman intensity for 3D Raman imaging (up to two orders of magnitude enhancement and spatial resolution up to 1 µm). The acidic environment drives reversible doping of polypyrrole, which can be detected by Raman spectroscopy. The combined properties of the nanosheets can substantially enhance performance in dual‐mode Raman and photoacoustic guided photothermal therapy, as shown by the 69% light to heat conversion efficiency and higher cytotoxicity against cancer spheroids. These pH‐responsive features highlight the potential of 2D conductive polymers for applications in accurate, highly efficient theranostics.