Single Atom-Doped Nanosonosensitizers for Mutually Optimized Sono/Chemo-Nanodynamic Therapy of Triple Negative Breast

Qiqing Chen1, Min Zhang1, Hui Huang2

  • 1Department of Ultrasonography, Hainan General Hospital/Hainan Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, 570311, P. R. China.

Insights

Engineered single copper atom-doped titanium dioxide (Cu/TiO2) nanosonosensitizers enhance sonodynamic therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). This novel approach boosts ROS generation and tumor inhibition, offering a safe, non-invasive treatment strategy.

Area of Science:

  • Nanotechnology
  • Materials Science
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) shows promise for breast cancer treatment by generating reactive oxygen species (ROS).
  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) exhibits antioxidant defenses that limit SDT efficacy.
  • Novel nanosonosensitizers are needed to overcome resistance and improve SDT outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To engineer a single copper atom-doped titanium dioxide (Cu/TiO2) nanosonosensitizer.
  • To enhance synergistic chemodynamic and sonodynamic therapy for TNBC.
  • To investigate the therapeutic potential of this novel nanosonosensitizer in vitro and in vivo.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of hollow TiO2 sonosensitizers with single copper atoms anchored on Ti vacancies.
  • Evaluation of catalytic activity for Cu-mediated Fenton-like reactions.
  • Assessment of sonodynamic efficiency and electron-hole separation.
  • In vitro and in vivo studies on TNBC inhibition.

Main Results:

  • The engineered Cu/TiO2 nanosonosensitizers exhibited enhanced catalytic and sonosensitive activities.
  • Improved Fenton-like reaction and facilitated electron-hole separation in TiO2.
  • Significant inhibition of TNBC growth in both in vitro and in vivo models.
  • Demonstrated synergistic sono/chemo-nanodynamic therapeutic effects.

Conclusions:

  • Single-atom Cu doping significantly enhances the performance of TiO2 nanosonosensitizers for TNBC treatment.
  • The engineered nanosonosensitizers provide a multifunctional platform for synergistic sono/chemo-nanodynamic therapy.
  • This approach offers a promising non-invasive and safe therapeutic strategy for TNBC elimination.