Acid-driven aggregation of selenol-functionalized zwitterionic gold nanoparticles improves the photothermal treatment efficacy of tumors

An acid-driven aggregation of selenol-functionalized zwitterionic Au NPs (Au–Se–C 4 –N 6 ) has been realized for promoting tumor targeting and improving photothermal treatment, which exhibits better stability and strong anti-interference against biothiols.