Silk sericin-decorated supramolecular photothermal nanocatalyst-based ferric sulfide for boosting high therapeutic performance of tumor cells

Non-invasive strategies such as phototherapy is popular way to inhibit the growth of tumor, and have gained more achievements due to its near-infrared laser auxiliary, deep penetration and high therapeutic effect. Herein, we constructed a green and high-efficient photothermal nanoagent (denoted SS@FeS) by skillfully integrating natural silk sericin (SS) protein and ferric sulfide nanoparticle into one nanoscale space. The obtained SS@FeS showed good water dispensability, high photothermal ability and excellent anticancer performance, and the SS protein was acted as a good reaction medium for maintain the forming, colloidal stability and hydrophilia of SS@FeS. As expected, the nanoagent could rapidly enter into cells and were distributed in lysosomes and mitochondria, producing an enhanced killing ability against 4T1 tumor cells by damaging mitochondria. Meanwhile, it showed a certain fenton reaction and could strengthen the photothermal therapy (PTT) of nanoagent, which could open a new door for the development of photothermal agent-based tumor treatment.