A metal-organic framework (MOF) built on surface-modified Cu nanoparticles eliminates tumors via multiple cascading

Guanghui An1, Heming Zheng1, Lianshan Guo2

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Featured Metal Materials and Life-cycle Safety for Composite Structures, MOE Key Laboratory of New Processing Technology for Nonferrous Metals and Materials, and School of Resources, Environment and Materials, Guangxi University, Nanning 530004, China.

Insights

This study developed a novel nanoplatform combining chemodynamic therapy, photodynamic therapy, and immunochemotherapy to enhance cancer treatment. The innovative design targets tumors, reduces side effects, and boosts the immune response against cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Tumor hypoxia and lack of drug targeting limit conventional chemotherapy efficacy, leading to systemic toxicity.
  • Developing advanced nanoplatforms is crucial for combining multiple therapeutic strategies to improve tumor treatment.
  • Multimodal cancer therapy offers a promising approach to overcome treatment resistance and reduce side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize and characterize a novel nanoplatform (Cu@MIL-101@PMTPC) for synergistic cancer therapy.
  • To investigate the combined efficacy of chemodynamic therapy (CDT), photodynamic therapy (PDT), and immunochemotherapy.
  • To evaluate the nanoplatform's ability to overcome tumor hypoxia and enhance anti-tumor immune responses.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of ultrafine Cu nanoparticles loaded with cisplatin and 1-methyl-d-tryptophan (1-MT), coated with TCPP, PDA, and CaO2 on MIL-101(Fe).
  • Evaluation of the nanoplatform's Fenton-like reaction, reactive oxygen species generation, and oxygen production capabilities.
  • Assessment of the nanoplatform's ability to induce immunogenic cell death and modulate the tumor immune microenvironment.

Main Results:

  • The Cu@MIL-101@PMTPC nanoplatform demonstrated potent CDT and PDT effects, generating reactive oxygen species and singlet oxygen.
  • The nanoplatform effectively consumed glutathione, ameliorated tumor hypoxia by producing oxygen, and enhanced chemotherapy's immunogenic effects.
  • 1-MT incorporation successfully reversed chemotherapy-induced immune escape, boosting T cell responses and cytokine production.

Conclusions:

  • The developed nanoplatform offers a powerful cascade of chemodynamic, photodynamic, and immunochemotherapeutic effects for enhanced cancer treatment.
  • This multimodal strategy effectively targets tumors, reduces systemic toxicity, and stimulates anti-tumor immunity.
  • The Cu@MIL-101@PMTPC nanocarrier represents a promising new therapeutic strategy for overcoming challenges in cancer treatment.