Intraparticle Electron Transfer for Long-Lasting Tumor Chemodynamic Therapy.

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) utilizes hydroxyl radicals (•OH) for cancer treatment.
• Current CDT limitations include short •OH lifespan and slow generation rates.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop novel heterogeneous nanoparticles (NPs) for enhanced CDT.
• To improve •OH lifetime and generation speed via intraparticle electron transfer.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of copper and iron oxide (CFO) heterogeneous NPs.
• Investigated intraparticle electron transfer from Cu to Fe3O4.
• Assessed •OH generation, lifespan, and tumor cell apoptosis induction.

Main Results:

• CFO NPs facilitated sustained •OH generation through intraparticle electron transfer.
• Cu species prolonged •OH lifespan and enhanced generation with H2O2.
• Fe2+ species also boosted •OH release, inducing cancer cell apoptosis and ferroptosis.

Conclusions:

• Heterogeneous CFO NPs offer a novel strategy for effective cancer CDT.
• Intraparticle electron transfer enhances therapeutic efficacy and biosafety.
• Developed NPs show potential for targeted tumor treatment with minimal side effects.