A Non-Invasive Combined Photothermal-Sonodynamic Therapy Using a Dual-Activated TiO₂-Au Nanohybrid: A Competitive...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Conventional radiotherapy (RT) for breast cancer (BC) faces limitations due to ionizing damage and low repeatability.
• A novel dual-activated, non-ionizing treatment strategy using TiO2-Au nanohybrids (NHs) is proposed.
• This approach aims to provide a minimally invasive alternative with comparable therapeutic efficacy to RT.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and evaluate a synergistic sonodynamic-photothermal therapy (SDPTT) using TiO2-Au NHs.
• To investigate the efficacy of SDPTT triggered by near-infrared (NIR) light and ultrasound (US).
• To compare the therapeutic outcomes of SDPTT with conventional RT.

Main Methods:

• TiO2-Au NHs were synthesized and characterized.
• MCF-7 BC cells were treated with NHs under NIR, US, or dual activation (SDPTT).
• Cell viability (MTT assay) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production (DCFH-DA staining) were assessed; comparisons were made with X-ray RT.

Main Results:

• SDPTT significantly reduced cell viability to 38.4%, comparable to RT + NH (37.9%) and superior to RT alone (72.1%).
• Dual activation (SDPTT) resulted in the highest ROS levels.
• Combination indices confirmed synergy for both SDPTT (CI=1.26) and RT + NH (CI=1.44).

Conclusions:

• TiO2-Au mediated SDPTT offers a promising non-ionizing strategy for BC treatment.
• This approach combines photothermal effects with oxidative stress for enhanced efficacy.
• Further preclinical studies are warranted to explore the potential of this dual-activated nanostructure for safe and repeatable BC therapy.