Nickel Single-Atom Nanozyme for Multimodal Cancer Therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Materials Science

Background:

• Nickel is a promising catalytic center for single-atom catalysts due to its biological relevance and redox versatility.
• Developing targeted nanozymes for cancer therapy is crucial for improving treatment efficacy and reducing side effects.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a multifunctional nanozyme (Ni/PEG-FA) for targeted cancer therapy.
• To evaluate the synergistic antitumor effects of combining catalytic reactive oxygen species generation and photothermal therapy.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis of atomically dispersed nickel sites on nitrogen-doped carbon support, functionalized with poly(ethylene glycol) and folic acid.
• Assessment of dual enzyme-mimicking activity (peroxidase-like and superoxide dismutase-like) and photothermal conversion.
• In vitro and in vivo evaluations of synergistic antitumor effects and systemic toxicity.

Main Results:

• Ni/PEG-FA nanozyme demonstrated dual enzyme-mimicking activity and efficient photothermal conversion.
• The nanozyme selectively targeted cancer cells overexpressing folate receptors.
• Synergistic antitumor effects were observed through combined catalytic oxidative stress and photothermal therapy.
• Minimal systemic toxicity was noted in in vitro and in vivo studies.

Conclusions:

• Ni-based single-atom nanozymes offer a safe and effective platform for reactive oxygen species-powered cancer therapy.
• The multifunctional Ni/PEG-FA nanozyme shows significant potential for synergistic cancer treatment by combining catalytic and photothermal modalities.