A smart all-in-one theranostic platform for CT imaging guided tumor microwave thermotherapy based on IL@ZrO₂nanoparticles

This study develops a simple hollow ZrO₂ nanostructure as a carrier to encapsulate ionic liquid (IL), which integrates the CT imaging function of the ZrO₂ shell and the microwave susceptibility function of the IL core. The simple nanostructure can be used as a multifunctional theranostic agent <i>via</i> combining diagnostic and therapeutic modalities into one "package". Based on the microwave susceptibility properties, the tumor inhibiting ratio can be over 90% in mice models after one-time thermal therapy upon microwave irradiation. <i>In vitro</i> and <i>in vivo</i> imaging results prove the potential of CT imaging application for real-time monitoring of biodistribution and metabolic processes, and assessing therapeutic outcomes. To our best knowledge, our study is the first example to achieve CT imaging and microwave thermal therapy simultaneously through a simple nanostructure. We anticipate that the simple IL@ZrO₂ nanostructure may build a useful platform for the clinical imaging guided therapy of tumors.