| Sep 09, 2024 |
Iron-doped carbon nanoparticles boost cancer treatment with enhanced precision and safety
(Nanowerk News) A collaborative research team, led by Prof. WANG Hui and Prof. QIAN Junchao from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science at the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has successfully developed catalytically active, photoresponsive Fe-doped carbon nanoparticles (FDCN) using the Stable High Magnetic Field Facility. These nanoparticles were specifically designed for second near-infrared (NIR-II) photothermal-enhanced chemodynamic therapy.
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The findings were published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces ("NIR-II Responsive Fe-Doped Carbon Nanoparticles for Photothermal-Enhanced Chemodynamic Synergistic Oncotherapy").
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| Illustration of the Tumor-Suppressing Mechanism of FDCN Nanozyme Synergy. (Image: WANG Xingyu)
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Carbon-based nanocatalysts used in chemodynamic therapy (CDT) have gained considerable attention in tumor treatment. However, their efficiency in catalyzing the production of hydroxyl radicals (·OH) from hydrogen peroxide has been limited, reducing the therapy's overall effectiveness.
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To address this challenge, the team incorporated small amounts of iron into carbon nanoparticles through a solvothermal method. This enhancement improved the nanoparticles' ability to generate ·OH radicals without damaging healthy cells. They also combined CDT with photothermal therapy, which uses light to generate heat. The heat accelerates ·OH production, making the treatment more efficient.
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The FDCN nanoparticles were rigorously tested with advanced methods, showing promising results. These nanoparticles not only effectively and safely target cancer cells, but also work well with NIR-II light, improving treatment outcomes.
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According to the team, this breakthrough offers a new, improved approach to cancer therapy and highlights the potential of carbon-based nanomaterials in medical applications.
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