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Nanozymes based on functionalized iridium oxide-modified gold nanoparticles for combination therapy
Yanfang Hu1, Kaizheng Jia1, Zhijie Guo1
1Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Novel Functional Materials Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Environmental Sciences, Kashi University Kashi 844000 PR China abdukadera@sina.com.
RSC Advances
|February 20, 2026
Summary
This study developed functionalized iridium oxide-modified gold nanoparticles (PIrS@Au) for cancer therapy. These nanozymes show potential in combination tumor treatment by inhibiting cancer cell growth when exposed to near-infrared light.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Combination therapy is a growing trend in cancer treatment.
- Iridium oxide nanoparticles offer potential for tumor therapy due to their photophysical-chemical properties and enzymatic activities.
- High-power near-infrared (NIR) lasers are often needed for functionalized iridium oxide efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel nanozymes by combining functionalized iridium oxide with gold nanoparticles.
- To evaluate the efficacy of these nanozymes (PIrS@Au) in inhibiting cancer cell growth.
- To assess the potential of PIrS@Au in tumor combination therapy.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of functionalized iridium oxide-modified gold nanoparticles (PIrS@Au).
- Evaluation of PIrS@Au properties including photothermal conversion efficiency, photochemical activity, catalase-like activity, and biocompatibility.
- In vitro assessment of PIrS@Au efficacy on HeLa and HepG2 cells under near-infrared light irradiation.
Main Results:
- PIrS@Au demonstrated good photothermal conversion efficiency, photochemical activity, catalase-like activity, and biocompatibility.
- PIrS@Au was effectively taken up by HeLa and HepG2 cells.
- Significant inhibition of HeLa and HepG2 cell growth was observed after NIR irradiation, with cell survival rates of 35.6% and 46.8% at 400 µg mL⁻¹ PIrS@Au.
Conclusions:
- PIrS@Au nanozymes exhibit promising potential for tumor combination therapy.
- The combination of iridium oxide and gold nanoparticles offers enhanced therapeutic capabilities.
- Further research into PIrS@Au could lead to advanced cancer treatment strategies.
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