Self-Destruction of Cancer Induced by Ag₂ S Amorphous Nanodots

Studies on distinctive performances and novel applications of amorphous inorganic nanomaterials are becoming attractive. Herein, Ag₂ S amorphous and crystalline nanodots (ANDs and CNDs) are prepared via facile methods. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that Ag₂ S ANDs, rather than CNDs, can induce the self-destruction of tumors, which can be attributed to their distinctive chemical properties, e.g., the higher electrochemical active surface area and lower redox potential well matching with the redox reaction requirement in the tumor microenvironment. Ag₂ S ANDs can be oxidized by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) to release Ag⁺ , which further stimulates high generation of intracellular ROS. This mutual stimulation damages the mitochondria, induces apoptosis, and leads to the self-destruction of the tumor. Moreover, Ag₂ S ANDs do not show observable in vitro and in vivo side effects. These findings provide a promising self-destructive strategy for cancer therapy by utilizing distinctive chemical properties of inorganic nanomaterials, while avoiding complicated external assistance.