# Core–Shell Plasmonic Nanocomposites with Synergistic Photothermal and Photochemical Activity for Biomedical Applications

## TL;DR

This paper reviews how core–shell nanocomposites can be used in biomedical applications by combining photothermal and photochemical effects for treatments like cancer therapy and wound healing.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive review of synergistic photothermal and photochemical effects in core–shell nanocomposites for biomedical applications.

## Key findings

- Core–shell nanocomposites show promise in photothermal therapy and diagnostics.
- They are effective in antimicrobial treatments, cancer therapy, and tissue regeneration.
- Design and optimization of these nanocomposites are critical for biomedical success.

## Abstract

Nanomedicine changes our lives by impacting diagnostics and therapeutics. In the biomedical domain, core–shell nanostructures have significant potential for photothermal therapy, diagnostics, sensing, drug delivery, and imaging. This work reviews the synergistic photothermal and photochemical effects of core–shell nanocomposites in the biomedical field. Several historical points in the development of nanostructures and fundamental core–shell plasmonic nanocomposites are provided in the introductory sections. Further, we analyzed the core–shell construction and its main biomedical applications: antimicrobial, cancer therapy, wound healing, and tissue regeneration. Moreover, we present relevant design considerations, performance optimization, and toxicity studies focused on synergistic photothermal–photochemical effects. Despite the promising biomedical research, several challenges remain before core–shell nanocomposites are widely translated into clinical settings and highlight the potential from technological and legal perspectives. The review concludes by outlining the pathways by which the synergistic photothermal–photochemical response of the core–shell nanocomposites plays a key role in nanomedicine and personalized medicine.