An NIR-II Responsive Nanoplatform for Cancer Photothermal and Oxidative Stress Therapy

Abstract

Chemodynamic therapy as an emerging therapeutic strategy has been implemented for oncotherapy. However, the reactive oxygen species can be counteracted by the exorbitant glutathione (GSH) produced by the tumor cells before exerting the antitumor effect. Herein, borneol (NB) serving as a monoterpenoid sensitizer, and copper sulfide (CuS NPs) as an NIR-II photothermal agent were loaded in a thermo-responsive vehicle (NB/CuS@PCM NPs). Under 1,060-nm laser irradiation, the hyperthermia produced by CuS NPs can be used for photothermal therapy and melt the phase change material for drug delivery. In the acidity microenvironment, the CuS NPs released from NB/CuS@PCM NPs could degrade to Cu2+, then Cu2+ was reduced to Cu+ during the depletion of GSH. As Fenton-like catalyst, the copper ion could convert hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radicals for chemodynamic therapy. Moreover, the NB originated from NB/CuS@PCM NPs could increase the intracellular ROS content to improve the treatment outcome of chemodynamic therapy. The animal experimental results indicated that the NB/CuS@PCM NPs could accumulate at the tumor site and exhibit an excellent antitumor effect. This work confirmed that the combination of oxidative stress–induced damage and photothermal therapy is a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.

Research Progress of Photothermal Nanomaterials in Multimodal Tumor Therapy

“…It has been found that as a P-type semiconductor, copper chalcogenide nanomaterials have composition-dependent localized SPR and ideal PCE in the NIR region ( 92 , 93 ). Moreover, Huang et al ( 39 ) combined monoterpenoid sensitizer, borneol, and NIR-II PTA copper sulfide to make thermo-responsive vehicle NB/CuS@PCMNPs. Under the irradiation of a 1060-nm laser, the high temperature produced by copper sulfide nanoparticles can be used in PTT.…”

Applications of metal–phenolic networks in nanomedicine: a review

“…116 For example, Cu II produces ROS through Fenton-like reactions, and ROS are highly cytotoxic to almost all bacteria without causing drug resistance. [117][118][119] However, excessive ROS can cause oxidative stress and irreversible tissue damage. 120 When combined with natural polyphenols with antioxidant properties, polyphenols can reduce inflammation and oxidative stress damage.…”

Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of tetrahydroisoquinoline stilbene derivatives as potential antitumor candidates

“…Then, the ROS levels in A549 cells were detected by flow cytometry with the fluorescent probe DCFH‐DA since a change in the mitochondrial membrane potential can affect the accumulation of ROS in A549 cells (Huang et al, 2021). As shown in Figure 8g–h, compared with the control group, 16 e significantly increased the level of ROS of A549 cells in a dose‐dependent manner.…”