Liposomes are attractive carriers for targeted and controlled drug delivery receiving increasing attention in cancer photothermal therapy. However, the field of creating near-infrared nanomaterial-liposome hybrid nanocarriers (NIRN-Lips) is relatively little understood. The hybrid nanocarriers combine the dual superiority of nanomaterials and liposomes, with more stable particles, enhanced photoluminescence, higher tumor permeability, better tumor-targeted drug delivery, stimulus-responsive drug release, and thus exhibiting better anti-tumor efficacy. Herein, this review covers the liposomes supported various types of near-infrared nanomaterials, including gold-based nanomaterials, carbon-based nanomaterials, and semiconductor quantum dots. Specifically, the NIRN-Lips are described in terms of their feature, synthesis, and drug-release mechanism. The design considerations of NIRN-Lips are highlighted. Further, we briefly introduced the photothermal conversion mechanism of NIRNs and the cell death mechanism induced by photothermal therapy. Subsequently, we provided a brief conclusion of NIRNs-Lips applied in cancer photothermal therapy. Finally, we discussed a synopsis of associated challenges and future perspectives for the applications of NIRN-Lips in cancer photothermal therapy.

Hemorrhagic wound management in severe trauma patients remains a vital clinical problem because of uncontrolled bleeding and inflammatory responses. Charcoal drugs have shown great potential for facilitating hemostasis and wound repair for more than two thousand years. Nevertheless, studies on the inherent biological activities of charcoal drugs and their corresponding pharmacological effects are far from satisfactory. Herein, a novel carbon dot prepared from charred Mume Fructus (CMF-CDs) for enhancing hemorrhagic wound healing was reported for the first time. Surprisingly, the as-prepared CMF-CDs showed good biocompatibility, reactive oxygen species scavenging ability and protection of human cells from oxidative damage. Inspired by this, we confirmed that CMF-CDs enhanced hemorrhagic wound healing by facilitating hemostasis, M2-type macrophage polarization, angiogenesis, collagen deposition and tissue regeneration. Proteomic results further revealed that the CMF-CDs reshaped the inflammatory microenvironment of the wound by reducing excessive ROS produced by tissue oxidative phosphorylation and the tricarboxylic acid cycle metabolic pathway. Ultimately, the discovery of CMF-CDs holds enormous promise for managing severe traumatic wounds and provides theoretical and material insights into charcoal drug-mediated hemostasis applications.