Near-Infrared Photothermal-Pyroelectric Coupling (PTPC)-Activated Trace Element Prodrug Nanoplatform for...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanomedicine
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Trace elements (TEs) show therapeutic potential but face challenges like poor bioavailability, toxicity, and lack of control.
• Current cancer therapies struggle with targeted delivery and effective immune system engagement.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel photoactivated trace element prodrug therapy (TEPT) using a selenium-doped black phosphorus (Se-BP) nanoplatform.
• To leverage photothermal-pyroelectric coupling (PTPC) for precise tumor targeting, controlled selenium release, and immune activation.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized Se-BP nanoplatform via chemical vapor transport (CVT).
• Utilized pulsed near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation to trigger photothermal-pyroelectric coupling (PTPC).
• Investigated localized reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, controlled selenium release, and subsequent selenite formation.

Main Results:

• Se-BP nanoplatform demonstrated efficient spatiotemporal control over selenium release upon NIR laser stimulation.
• Released selenium was oxidized to cytotoxic selenite, inducing selective cancer cell apoptosis.
• Selenium treatment reprogrammed the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) and sensitized immune checkpoint blockade (ICB).

Conclusions:

• The developed Se-BP nanoplatform offers a modular, biodegradable 2D prodrug system for photoactivated TEPT.
• This approach enables precise tumor targeting, controlled drug release, and synergistic cancer immunotherapy.
• The platform shows significant translational potential for oncology and other therapeutic areas.