Chemodrug
resistance is a major reason accounting for tumor recurrence.
Given the mechanistic complexity of chemodrug resistance, molecular
inhibitors and targeting drugs often fail to eliminate drug-resistant
cancer cells, and sometimes even promote chemoresistance by activating
alternative pathways. Here, by exploiting biochemical fragility of
high-level but dynamically balanced cellular redox homeostasis in
drug-resistant cancer cells, we design a nanosized copper/catechol-based
metal–organic framework (CuHPT) that effectively disturbs this
homeostasis tilting the balance toward oxidative stress. Within drug-resistant
cells, CuHPT starts disassembly that is triggered by persistent consumption
of cellular glutathione (GSH). CuHPT disassembly simultaneously releases
two structural elements: catechol ligands and reductive copper ions
(Cu+). Both of them cooperatively function to amplify the
production of intracellular radical oxidative species (ROS) via auto-oxidation
and Fenton-like reactions through exhausting GSH. By drastically heightening
cellular oxidative stress, CuHPT exhibits selective and potent cytotoxicity
to multiple drug-resistant cancer cells. Importantly, CuHPT effectively
inhibits in vivo drug-resistant tumor growth and doubles the survival
time of tumor-bearing mice. Thus, along with CuHPT’s good biocompatibility,
our biochemical, cell biological, preclinical animal model data provide
compelling evidence supporting the notion that this copper-based MOF
is a predesigned smart therapeutic against drug-resistant cancers
through precisely deconstructing their redox homeostasis.
The
therapeutic efficacy of wound infections caused by bacteria
is challenged by limited wound repairs and a high risk of inflammation.
Microneedles have been generated for wound healing since they are
able to efficiently pierce the epidermis and deliver drugs. However,
regular microneedles cannot provide oriented traction to “shrink”
the wound area, and most microneedles are made of inert polymers,
which mainly serve as a support but rarely participate in the following
physiological processes. Herein, inspired by lamprey teeth, we designed
oriented antibacterial sericin microneedles with dually functionalized
needles to provide penetration and directional traction. Sericin,
derived from silkworm cocoons, was employed to fabricate microneedle
tips, significantly improving skin repair via hair follicle regeneration
and angiogenesis. Besides, zinc oxide nanoparticles were integrated
as an antibacterial module, endowing the OASM with high bacterial
suppression. It is believed that the synergy of these systems may
effectively heal infected wounds, suggesting its clinically translational
potential.
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