A Phase Engineering Strategy of Perovskite‐Type ZnSnO₃:Nd for Boosting the Sonodynamic Therapy Performance

Abstract

The sensitization performance of sonosensitizers plays a key role in the sonodynamic therapy (SDT) effect. Herein, ZnSnO3:Nd nanoparticles with R3c phase/amorphous heterogeneous structure are developed by phase engineering strategy and applied as an ideal sonosensitizer. In the crystalline perovskite‐type ZnSnO3:Nd, the substitution of the Zn2+ with Nd3+ causes the O 2p non‐bonded state to move toward the Fermi level, which optimizes the band structure for ultrasound sensitization by reducing bandgap. Meanwhile, the unequal charge substitution can also form electron traps and oxygen vacancies to shorten the electron migration distance, which accelerates the electron–hole separation and inhibits carrier recombination, thus improving the acoustic sensitivity. Moreover, the dangling bonds exposed on the surface of amorphous ZnSnO3:Nd provide more active sites, and the localized states of the amorphous phase may also promote carrier separation, resulting in synergistic SDT effect. In particular, the Zn2+ released from ZnSnO3:Nd in the acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) reduces the adenosine triphosphate production by inhibiting the electron transport chain , which promotes the tumor cell apoptosis through destroying the redox balance of TME. Combining the inherent second near infrared and computed tomography imaging capabilities, this ZnSnO3:Nd nanoplatform shows a promising perspective in clinic SDT field.

Structure Engineered High Piezo‐Photoelectronic Performance for Boosted Sono‐Photodynamic Therapy

“…Our recent study revealed that ZnSnO 3 nanocubes are feasible SDT sensitizers; however, their therapeutic effect has been hindered by their insufficient piezoelectric performance. [20] Here, we found that ZnSnO 3 quantum dots (QDs) have good piezoelectric properties, and the related maximum effective piezoelectric coefficient (d 33 ) can reach 30.44 pm V −1 under a bias voltage from −10 to +10 V. Combining the semiconductor and optical properties, ZnSnO 3 QDs are potential SPDT sensitizers. However, their extremely small size (<5 nm) allows them to be easily engulfed by macrophages or eliminated from the body through the kidneys during transport.…”

An Activatable Prodrug Nanosystem for Ultrasound‐Driven Multimodal Tumor Therapy and Metastasis Inhibition

“…Ultrasound is a type of mechanical wave that has been extensively used in the medical field, especially in cancer diagnosis and therapy, owing to its noninvasiveness, minor energy attenuation, and high tissue‐penetration capability. [ 14–17 ] For instance, high‐intensity focused ultrasound is applied in the treatment of various tumors in the form of thermal ablation, which requires accurate localization to avoid hyperthermia as a side effect. Interestingly, low‐power ultrasound (1 MHz, 1–2 W cm ‐2 ) used in the medical field has the capability to produce some reactive oxygen species (ROS) that can react with certain prodrugs and release active drug molecules for chemotherapy.…”

A Bioactive Disintegrable Polymer Nanoparticle for Synergistic Vascular Anticalcification

“…Therefore, in order to enhance the therapeutic efficiency of the formulation, appropriate therapeutic agents could be loaded into the NPs. Several investigations have been conducted on the biodegradability of nanomaterials in a biological milieu, demonstrating promising outcomes for instance in terms of therapeutic efficacy and release profiles (e.g., erosion-based release mechanisms). − Curcumin (Cur), a natural polyphenolic compound, has been established as a promising drug in a variety of diseases. , Cur has powerful anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticalcification properties; however, its clinical application is hindered by several drawbacks, including low aqueous solubility and rapid metabolism . Cur loading into PSI NPs not only addresses these limitations but also enables targeting of delivery of Cur to the disease site.…”