Hybrid biomaterials-based radiosensitizers: Preparations and their applications in enhancing tumor radiotherapy

Radiotherapy is a critical modality in cancer treatment, yet its efficacy can be substantially hindered by the tumor microenvironment. Nanotechnology has empowered nanomaterials to assume multifunctional roles. These roles encompass drug delivery, radiosensitization, imaging, inducing DNA damage, and decreasing glutathione (GSH) levels to impede the neutralization of reactive oxygen species (ROS), thus enhancing therapeutic efficacy. Consequently, hybrid materials integrating multiple functional components have garnered significant attention. In recent years, the development of hybrid biomaterials-based radiosensitizers has successfully addressed these challenges and attracted considerable interest. This review systematically summarizes the synthesis methods, composition, and potential applications of hybrid biomaterials-based radiosensitizers in radiotherapy. The synthesis techniques are classified into self-assembly, chemical synthesis, and biomimetic synthesis. Furthermore, we examine various types of inorganic, inorganic-organic, and organic hybrid biomaterials-based radiosensitizers, with an emphasis on their mechanisms of action, including enhancing ionizing radiation effects, alleviating tumor hypoxia, and depleting GSH. Finally, we discuss the future prospects and existing challenges of hybrid biomaterials-based radiosensitizers in cancer therapy, highlighting their potential to markedly improve therapeutic efficacy.