Edge confined covalent organic framework with efficient biocompatibility and photothermic conversion

Abstract

Abstract Covalent organic frameworks (COFs) that serve as a unique type of two-dimensional materials have demonstrated promising applications in various fields. However, the issue of water insolubility seriously hinders the biological applications of COFs. In this work, we develop an edge confinement route by hydroxylating edges of a COF (CPF-Cu), generating both superior water solubility and nanoscale size, which hence largely promotes the efficient biocompatibility and cell penetrability. The CPF-Cu of which single-layer is free from aggregation demonstrates efficient fluorescence quantum yield (10.3%) by UV light and impressive photothermic conversion efficiency (39.3%) under near infrared light. Thus, this COF is the first time to achieve the integration of ultrafast cell staining and high-performance tumor treatment via photothermic therapy. The outcomes not only pave the way for the biocompatibility of two-dimensional materials by edge-functionalization routes, but also promote the multi-compatible therapeutics based on precisely designed crystalline materials.