MnO₂ Decorated Metal‐Organic Framework‐Based Hydrogel Relieving Tumor Hypoxia for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising cancer treatment modality; however, its therapeutic efficacy is greatly limited by tumor hypoxia. In this study, a metal‐organic framework (MOF)‐based hydrogel (MOF Gel) system that synergistically combines PDT with the supply of oxygen is designed. Porphyrin‐based Zr‐MOF nanoparticles are synthesized as the photosensitizer. MnO2 is decorated onto the surface of the MOF, which can effectively convert H₂O₂ into oxygen. Simultaneously, the incorporation of MnO2‐decorated MOF (MnP NPs) into a chitosan hydrogel (MnP Gel) serves to enhance its stability and retention at the tumor site. The results show that this integrated approach significantly improves tumor inhibition efficiency by relieving tumor hypoxia and enhancing PDT. Overall, the findings underscore the potential for employing nano‐MOF‐based hydrogel systems as promising agents for cancer therapy, thus advancing the application of multifunctional MOFs in cancer treatment.

Enhancing drug penetration in solid tumors via nanomedicine: Evaluation models, strategies and perspectives

“…Signal factors induced by hypoxia, HIF-1α and HIF-2α, are discovered to upregulate the expression of collagen hydroxylase P4H and oxidase lysyl oxidase (LOX) in tumor cells [ 125 ], thereby promoting collagen degradation and alleviating collagen accumulation, which subsequently facilitates tumor metastasis. Hyperbaric oxygen potentiates (HBOs) have been utilized to reduce the deposition of collagen [ 126 ], overcome the hypoxia condition in the tumor and improve the penetration of nanomaterials in the tumor. In the presence of an HBO, the expression of HIF-1α was reduced, which was accompanied with a VEGF expression inhibition rate of 85 % [ 127 ].…”

“… More clinical trials specifically on ECM remodeling events are needed. [ 119 ] [ 120 ] [ 126 ] [ 127 ] …”

Organic–inorganic composite hydrogels: compositions, properties, and applications in regenerative medicine

“…Zhang et al 245 developed an anti-tumor hydrogel system using titanium dioxide (TiO 2 ) as a photosensitizer and crosslinker, capable of generating high concentrations of singlet oxygen under NIR light exposure. To address the hypoxic microenvironment of the tumor, Li et al 122 created a synergistic PDT and oxygen-supplying hydrogel system using MOF NPs and CS hydrogel. Zirconium MOF NPs (MnP NPs) with surface-modified MnO 2 efficiently convert H 2 O 2 into oxygen, changing the hypoxic microenvironment of the tumor.…”