Polydopamine-mediated bio-inspired synthesis of copper sulfide nanoparticles for T 1 -weighted magnetic resonance imaging guided photothermal cancer therapy.

•CuS nanoparticles were synthesized using versatile polydopamine as bio-template.•Without additional surfactant, the nanocomposite shows favorable biocompatibility.•The integration of MRI and photothermal therapy enables more effective treatment.•The nanocomposite possesses high stability and excellent photothermal property.