Photothermal effects of supra-CNDs@GelMA composite hydrogels under near-infrared stimulation

In this study, supra-CNDs@GelMA composite hydrogel dressings for the photothermal treatment of melanoma were successfully developed. The prepared supra-CNDs (supra-carbon nanodots) exhibited remarkable photothermal properties, with a photothermal conversion efficiency of 55.29 % (47.12 %) under 730 nm (808 nm) laser irradiation, which is a promising material for photothermal reagents. The integrated GelMA (gelatine methacryloyl hydrogel) further enhanced the photothermal effects of the supra-CNDs@GelMA composite hydrogels and also shortened the exposure time, which could rapidly reach 50 ℃ within 70 s under 808 nm laser irradiation (1 W/cm2). Additionally, the thermal conductivity of the composite hydrogels was investigated at a laser spot diameter of 2 mm. Moreover, the supra-CNDs@GelMA composite hydrogels exhibited good biocompatibility and excellent photothermal ablation of melanoma cells. These findings demonstrate the potential of the supra-CNDs@GelMA composite hydrogels as dressings for the photothermal treatment of skin cancers.