A novel cascaded energy conversion system inducing efficient and precise cancer therapy

Cancer therapies based on energy conversion, such as photothermal therapy (PTT, light-to-thermal energy conversion) and photodynamic therapy (PDT, light-to-chemical energy conversion) have attracted extensive attention in preclinical research. However, the PTT-related hyperthermia damage to surrounding tissues and shallow penetration of PDT-applied light prevent further advanced clinical practices. Here, we developed a thermoelectric therapy (TET) based on thermoelectric materials constructed p-n heterojunction (SrTiO(3)/Cu(2)Se nanoplates) on the principle of light-thermal-electricity-chemical energy conversion. Upon irradiation and natural cooling-induced the temperature gradient (35–45 (o)C), a self-build-in electric field was constructed and thereby facilitated charges separation in bulk SrTiO(3) and Cu(2)Se. Importantly, the contact between SrTiO(3) (n type) and Cu(2)Se (p type) constructed another interfacial electric field, further guiding the separated charges to re-locate onto the surfaces of SrTiO(3) and Cu(2)Se. The formation of two electric fields minimized probability of charges recombination. Of note, high-performance superoxide radicals and hydroxyl radicals’ generation from O(2) and H(2)O under catalyzation by separated electrons and holes, led to intracellular ROS burst and cancer cells apoptosis without apparent damage to surrounding tissues. Construction of bulk and interfacial electric fields in heterojunction for improving charges separation and transfer is also expected to provide a robust strategy for diverse applications.