pH-programmed responsive nanoplatform for synergistic cancer therapy based on single atom catalysts

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Stimuli-responsive nanoplatforms offer enhanced cancer therapy efficiency and accuracy.
• Developing synergistic theranostic nanoplatforms is crucial for advanced cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a pH-programmed, CaCO3-mineralized single atom iron nanoparticle (SAF NP) nanoplatform for synergistic cancer therapy.
• To integrate chemodynamic therapy (CDT), chemotherapy (CT), and calcium ion interference therapy (CIT) into a single nanoplatform.

Main Methods:

• SAF NPs were synthesized and mineralized with CaCO3 and A549 cell membranes.
• The nanoplatform was designed for pH-programmed release of doxorubicin (DOX) and in-situ generation of hydroxyl radicals (•OH).
• Calcium ion interference therapy (CIT) was induced by CaCO3 decomposition in the tumor microenvironment.

Main Results:

• The nanoplatform demonstrated pH-programmed drug release and effective generation of •OH for CDT.
• Cell membrane coating prevented premature drug leakage and targeted cancer cells.
• Overload Ca2+ induced mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress, contributing to CIT.

Conclusions:

• The developed nanoplatform synergistically combines CDT, CT, and CIT for enhanced cancer treatment.
• The nanoplatform exhibits excellent biocompatibility, specificity, and tunable drug release.
• This multi-synergetic approach shows significant potential for future tumor therapy applications.