Fig. 4: ROS generation and mechanism of FCL-PEG NSs.

a The CDT effect mediated by FCL-PEG NSs using MB as the probe. The data show mean ± s.d., n = 3. b The PDT effect mediated by FCL-PEG NSs using DHR123 as the probe. The data show mean ± s.d., n = 3. c The signal of ROS generated by FCL-PEG NSs in EPR spectra. d All-solid-state UV–vis-NIR absorbance spectra of bulk VMT and FCL-PEG NSs. e The bandgap of bulk VMT and FCL-PEG NSs calculated by Kubelka–Munk equation. f CB of bulk VMT and FCL-PEG NSs. g Schematic illustration of photo-excited electron-hole separation and transfer mechanism of bulk VMT and FCL NSs. CDT chemodynamic therapy, MB methylene blue, PDT photodynamic therapy, DHR123 dihydrorhodamine 123, EPR electron paramagnetic resonance, UV–vis-NIR ultraviolet-visible-near-infrared red, CB conductive band.