Synthesis strategies and cancer therapy applications of PEDOT nanoparticles

Abstract

Cancer remains one of the leading causes of death, with traditional therapy approaches facing limitations such as nonspecific systemic toxicity and acquired resistance. As alternative and adjuvant treatment modalities, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) (PEDOT) nanoparticles (NPs) leverage unique biocompatible, electrical, and thermal properties for combined imaging, controlled drug release and localised photothermal ablation. This review provides a comprehensive analysis of formulation of tailored PEDOT NPs as smart theragnostic agents toward precise, personalised nanomedicine. We outline common chemical and electrochemical synthesis techniques to control NP size, morphology, stability, and surface chemistry. Extensive structural and electrochemical characterisation relates polymerisation conditions to resultant properties. In particular, PEDOT NPs exhibit efficient near-infrared (NIR) absorption and photothermal conversion, enabling selective photothermal tumour ablation. Their intrinsic conductivity also enables electrical stimulation triggers to modulate the release of therapeutic payloads. While initial works confirm the potential of PEDOT NPs for spatiotemporal cancer treatment, clinical translation remains limited. Further efforts must focus on developing predictive preclinical models, scalable manufacturing methods and clinical partnerships to facilitate translation of these smart nanosystems from the laboratory to clinical use.