Selenium-Doped Nanoheterojunctions for Highly Efficient Cancer Radiosensitization

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Radiotherapy
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Radiotherapy faces challenges with radiation tolerance, immunosuppression, and poor prognosis.
• Nanoheterojunctions show promise as radiosensitizers by enhancing radiation energy deposition and overcoming tumor radiotherapy inhibition.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop an efficient and low-toxicity radiosensitizer for improved radiotherapy outcomes.
• To investigate the radiosensitization mechanism of selenium-doped Prussian blue nanoheterojunctions (Se@PB).

Main Methods:

• Constructed a nano-heterojunction (Se@PB) by doping selenium into Prussian blue.
• Investigated the effects of Se@PB on Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio, selenium valence state, and electron transfer.
• Assessed Se@PB's impact on glutathione (GSH) levels, Fe2+ accumulation, redox balance, and X-ray induced cellular damage.

Main Results:

• Se@PB formation promoted Fe2+/Fe3+ ratio increase and high valence state conversion of Se.
• An Fe2+-Se-Fe3+ electron transfer chain accelerated electron transfer, enhancing X-ray energy transfer and physical radiosensitivity.
• Se@PB induced glutathione depletion and Fe2+ accumulation via pro-Fenton reaction, enhancing biochemical radiosensitivity.
• Se@PB effectively promoted X-ray induced mitochondrial dysfunction and DNA damage, leading to enhanced apoptosis and synergistic cervical cancer radiotherapy.

Conclusions:

• Se@PB acts as an efficient and low-toxicity radiosensitizer.
• The study elucidates the radiosensitization mechanism involving electron transfer chains and biochemical reactions.
• Se@PB offers a promising strategy for synergistic radiotherapy, particularly for cervical cancer.