Analysis of Titanium Monocarbide Quantum Dots Synthesized via Cryo-Assisted Fragmentation as Potential Photothermal Agents for Cancer Hyperthermia

Abstract

Photothermal therapy (PTT) has gained significant attention in cancer treatment due to its ability to precisely ablate tumours using laser radiation, offering benefits such as minimal invasiveness, short treatment duration, and rapid recovery. PTT relies on photothermal agents that absorb near-infrared (NIR) light and convert it into heat, thereby inducing tumour cell destruction. While much progress has been made in developing photothermal agents, the development of efficient and biocompatible agents remains a critical challenge. Titanium monocarbide (TiC) is a refractory ceramic material known for its superior mechanical, thermal, and biocompatible properties, yet its potential as a photothermal agent for cancer treatment has not been explored. In this study, we demonstrate the remarkable light-to-heat conversion properties of TiC quantum dots, synthesized via a cryo-assisted fragmentation method. When an aqueous dispersion of TiC quantum dots was irradiated with NIR laser (808 nm, 1.5 W/cm²), the temperature of the dispersion increased by approximately 65°C within 12 minutes, indicating the high efficiency of photothermal conversion. This rapid temperature rise, coupled with the biocompatibility and non-toxicity of TiC quantum dots, makes them a promising candidate for photothermal therapy, particularly in cancer hyperthermia applications.