Near-Infrared-II Photoactivated Iron(III) Complexes for Highly Efficient RNS and ROS Synergistic Therapy

Qiqi Wang1, Jie Yuan1, Qiong Zhang1,2

  • 1School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Center of Free Electron Laser & High Magnetic Field, Key Laboratory of Structure and Functional Regulation of Hybrid Materials Ministry of Education, Key Laboratory of Functional Inorganic Materials Chemistry of Anhui Province, and Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Inorganic/Organic Hybrid Functionalized Materials of Anhui Province, Anhui University, Hefei 230039, Anhui, P. R. China.

ACS Applied Bio Materials
|September 20, 2024
PubMed

Insights

New nonlinear optical materials enable the deep-tissue generation of reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) for enhanced cancer therapy via apoptosis induction.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Materials Science
  • Cancer Research

Background:

  • Reactive nitrogen species (RNS) show promise for cancer treatment due to their high lethality compared to reactive oxygen species (ROS).
  • Limited drug availability for RNS generation hinders their therapeutic application.
  • Nonlinear optical (NLO) materials offer potential for targeted ROS/RNS generation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To synthesize novel 5th-order NLO materials for cooperative RNS and ROS generation in deep tissues.
  • To evaluate the efficacy of these materials in inducing cancer cell death through apoptosis.
  • To explore innovative strategies for RNS-based cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of two 5th-order NLO materials: FB-Fe(III)/SNP@PEG and FB-Fe(II)-FB/SNP@PEG.
  • Utilizing 1600 nm laser irradiation to trigger NLO properties and generate superoxide anions (O2•−) and nitric oxide (NO).
  • Assessing the synergistic effects of ROS and RNS on cancer cells, including mitochondrial damage and DNA fragmentation.

Main Results:

  • FB-Fe(III)/SNP@PEG demonstrated superior nonlinear optical properties, leading to abundant O2•− generation in deep tissues.
  • Cooperative generation of ROS and RNS was achieved, with SNP providing NO.
  • FB-Fe(III)/SNP@PEG effectively induced apoptosis, mitochondrial damage, and DNA fragmentation, inhibiting tumor cells more effectively than FB-Fe(II)-FB/SNP@PEG.

Conclusions:

  • The developed NLO material, FB-Fe(III)/SNP@PEG, provides an innovative strategy for cooperative RNS and ROS release in deep tissues.
  • This approach offers a promising avenue for RNS-based cancer therapy with enhanced therapeutic effects.
  • The study provides valuable insights for applying NLO materials in RNS therapy for cancer treatment.