Single-trigger dual-modal nanoplatform for in situ switch on cancer diagnosis imaging

Tumor markers in situ switch on nanoplatform is of great significance for disease early diagnosis and accurate treatment. It has significant advantages to realize simultaneous detection of multiple signals through single signal triggering. However, traditional nanoplatform often needs complex modification and integration of multiple materials. Herein, to achieve “one stone for two birds” and simplify nanoplatform structure, a dual-modal system was developed for glutathione (GSH)-triggered in situ switch on imaging of cancer. The transition metal oxide FeOOH shell was generated around CuInZnS quantum dots (CIZS QDs), and the near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence of QDs could be quenched. After being reduced to Fe²⁺ by GSH which normally overexpressed in cancer cells, CIZS QDs with fluorescence will generate. Therefore, the GSH-triggered fluorescence recovery could be used for in situ switch on cancer diagnostic imaging of cells and tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, the reaction product Fe²⁺ enabled followed chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging properties to realize dual-modal diagnosis imaging. Compared with other FeOOH nanostructures, our method was more simple and efficient. Hence, this study provided a new attempt to construct versatile nanoplatform, which integrated cancer diagnosis imaging capability and may be applied in subsequent therapeutics.