Carbon dots (CDs) have been considered as promising candidates with superior biocompatibilities for multimodel cancer theranostics. However, incorporation of exogenous components, such as targeting molecules and chemo/photo therapeutic drugs, are often required to improve the therapeutic efficacy. Herein, we propose an “all-in-one” CDs that exhibit intrinsic bioactivities for bioimaging, potent tumor therapy and postoperative management. The multifunctional CDs derived from gallic acid and tyrosine (GT-CDs) consist of a graphitized carbon core and N, O-rich functional groups, which endow them with a high near-infrared photothermal conversion efficiency of 33.9% and tumor-specific cytotoxicity, respectively. A new imaging modality, photothermal optical coherence tomography, is introduced using GT-CDs as the contrast agent, offering the micrometer-scale resolution three-dimensional tissue morphology of tumor. For cancer therapy, GT-CDs initiate the intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species in tumor cells but not normal cells, further induce the mitochondrial collapse and subsequent tumor cellular apoptosis. Combined with NIR photothermal treatment, synergistic antitumor therapy is achieved in vitro and in vivo. GT-CDs also promote the healing process of bacteria-contaminated skin wound, demonstrating their potential to prevent postoperative infection. The integrated theranostic strategy based on versatile GT-CDs supplies an alternative easy-to-handle pattern for disease management.

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