Deleterious effects to normal tissues and short biological half‐life of sonosensitizers limit the applications of sonodynamic therapy (SDT). Herein, a new sonosensitizer (Cu(II)NS) is synthesized that consists of porphyrins, chelated Cu2+, and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) to overcome the challenges of SDT. As Cu2+ contains 27 electrons, Cu(II)NS has an unpaired electron (open shell), resulting in a doublet ground state and little sonosensitivity. Overexpressed glutathione in the tumor can reduce Cu2+ to generate Cu(I)NS, leading to a singlet ground state and recuperative sonosensitivity. Additionally, PEG endows Cu(II)NS with increased blood biological half‐life and enhanced tumor accumulation, further increasing the effect of SDT. Through regulating the valence state of Cu, cancer SDT with enhanced therapeutic index is achieved.
H2S is a well-known toxic gas and also a gaseous signaling molecule involved in many biological processes. Advanced chemical tools that can regulate H2S levels in vivo are useful for...
Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) affects millions of people each year. The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) plays a critical role in the progress of IBD and will be a potential therapeutic target. Here, we synthesize a kind of oral zero-valent-molybdenum nanodots (ZVMNs) for the treatment of IBD by scavenging ROS. These ultrasmall ZVMNs can successfully pass through the gastric acid and then be absorbed by the intestine. It has been verified that ZVMNs can down-regulate the quantity of ROS and reduce colitis in a mouse IBD model without distinct side effects. In addition, RNA sequencing reveals a further mechanism that the ZVMNs can protect colon tissues from oxidative stress by inhibiting the nuclear factor κB signaling pathway and reducing the production of excessive pro-inflammatory factors. Together, the ZVMNs will offer a promising alternative treatment option for patients suffering from IBD.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.