Near-infrared phosphorescent carbon dots for sonodynamic precision tumor therapy

A heterojunction-engineering nanodrug with tumor microenvironment responsiveness for tumor-specific cuproptosis and chemotherapy amplified sono-immunotherapy

Cuproptosis has recently identified as a unique copper-dependent cell death mechanism that may provide new opportunities for improving the therapeutic effect of tumor therapy through triggering efficient adaptive immune responses. However, the poor delivery efficiency and non-tumor-specific release of Cu ions would restrict the potential clinical applications of cuproptosis inducers. Herein, we report for the first time the development of hollow Cu2-xSe nanocubes as the tumor microenvironment (TME)-responsive drug delivery systems and cuproptosis inducers for tumor-specific chemotherapy and cuproptosis. The presence of Cu vacancy endows Cu2-xSe with excellent sonodynamic and chemodynamic activity. The hollow Cu2-xSe nanocubes with TME-responsive degradation behaviors are further utilized to load graphene quantum dot (GQD) nanodrugs to form GQD/Cu2-xSe heterojunctions for achieving tumor-specific chemotherapy. The heterojunction-fabrication GQD/Cu2-xSe exhibits amplified ROS generation capabilities and improved TME regulation ability owing to the optimized electron-hole separation kinetics. More importantly, the significant increase in ROS levels and efficient cuproptosis could reverse the immunosuppressive TME and induce immunogenic cell death that stimulates strong systemic immune responses to eliminate tumors. Collectively, this work presents an innovative strategy for the utilization of TME-responsive cuproptosis inducers for tumor-specific chemotherapy and cuproptosis augmented sono-immunotherapy.

Bi2WO6@Cu2O-GOx bio-heterojunctionp-n spray for accelerating chronic diabetic wound repairment with bilaterally enhanced sono-catalysis and glycolytic inhibition antisepsis

Chronic diabetic wound poses a pressing global healthcare challenge, necessitating an approach to address issues such as pathogenic bacteria elimination, blood sugar regulation, and angiogenesis stimulation. Herein, we engineered a Bi2WO6@Cu2O-GOx bio-heterojunction (BWCG bio-HJ) with exceptional cascade catalytic performance and impressive sonosensitivity to remodel the wound microenvironment and expedite the diabetic wound healing. Specifically, the Z-scheme junctions of Bi2WO6@Cu2O significantly augmented carrier separation dynamics, leading to the highly efficient generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) upon US irradiations. Furthermore, glucose oxidase (GOx) grafted on the Bi2WO6@Cu2O surface facilitated the conversion of glucose into H2O2 and glucuronic acid, providing a rich supply for Cu+-mediated Fenton-like reactions. The robust oxidation effect disrupted the bacteria's phosphotransferase system (PTS), hindering glucose uptake, glycolysis, and energy metabolism, ultimately inducing bacterial death and reshaping the diabetic wound microenvironment. The BWCG bio-HJ was formulated as an antibacterial spray for chronic diabetic wound repair. Extensive in vitro and in vivo experiments confirmed that the BWCG bio-HJ spray could eliminate pathogenic bacteria, consume local blood sugar, and promote angiogenesis, collagen deposition, and epithelialization, thereby accelerating the diabetic wound healing process. This bio-heterojunction spray comprehensively addressed the principal pathological factors associated with diabetic wounds, offering a promising strategy for combatting stubborn infections.

Metastructure and strain-defect engineered Cu-doped TiO x coating to enhance antibacterial sonodynamic therapy

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has attracted widespread attention in treatment of implant-associated infections, one of the key factors leading to implant failure. Nevertheless, constructing efficient ultrasound-triggered coatings on implant surfaces remains a challenge. Herein, an acoustic metastructure Cu-doped defective titanium oxide coating (Cu-TiO x ) with lattice strain was constructed in situ on titanium implant to realize effective sonocatalysis. The redistribution of Cu atoms broke the pristine lattice of TiO2 during the thermal reduction treatment to regulate its energy structure, which favored separation of electron-hole pairs generated by ultrasound radiation to enhance the sonocatalytic generation of reactive oxygen species. In addition, the acoustic metastructure enhanced the absorption of ultrasound by Cu-TiO x metastructure coating, which further promoted its sonocatalytic effect. Thus, Cu-TiO x metastructure coating could efficiently eliminate Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli infections under ultrasonic irradiation in 10 min. Besides, the osteogenic property of implant was significantly improved after infection clearance in vivo. This work provides a fresh perspective on the design of SDT biosurfaces based on metastructure and strain-defect engineering.

MnO2-based nanoparticles remodeling tumor micro-environment to augment sonodynamic immunotherapy against breast cancer

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is characterized by a complex array of factors, including aerobic conditions, high glutathione (GSH) levels, acidic pH, and elevated hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) content, all of which promote cancer progression and contribute to poor prognosis. Fortunately, these challenges can be addressed using MnO2-based nanomaterials. In this study, we have designed and synthesized a Curcumin/MnO2@PLGA@4T1 cell membrane (CMP@4T1m) system aimed at remodelling the TME and enhancing sonodynamic immunotherapy for breast cancer. Through the homologous targeting ability of 4T1m, CMP@4T1m efficiently accumulates at the tumor site. Upon ultrasound irradiation, curcumin (Cur) acts as a sonosensitizer, generating cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) that induce immunogenic cell death (ICD), activate T-cell responses, and repolarize protumoral M2-like macrophages to antitumoral M1-like macrophages. In the TME, which is mildly acidic and enriched with GSH and H2O2, MnO2 not only oxidizes GSH to glutathione disulfide (GSSG) but also reacts with H2O2 and H+ to produce oxygen, alleviating hypoxia and significantly enhancing the sonodynamic immunotherapy effect. Additionally, Mn2+ generated during this process converts H2O2 into cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (˙OH). This study thus lays the foundation for advancing cancer nanomedicine, offering a novel approach that integrates TME remodelling with sonodynamic immunotherapy.

Refining Single-Atom Catalytic Kinetics for Tumor Homologous-Targeted Catalytic Therapy

Single-atom nanozymes (SAzymes) hold significant potential for tumor catalytic therapy, but their effectiveness is often compromised by low catalytic efficiency within tumor microenvironment. This efficiency is mainly influenced by key factors including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) availability, acidity, and temperature. Simultaneous optimization of these key factors presents a significant challenge for tumor catalytic therapy. In this study, we developed a comprehensive strategy to refine single-atom catalytic kinetics for enhancing tumor catalytic therapy through dual-enzyme-driven cascade reactions. Iridium (Ir) SAzymes with high catalytic activity and natural enzyme glucose oxidase (GOx) were utilized to construct the cascade reaction system. GOx was loaded by Ir SAzymes due to its large surface area. Then, the dual-enzyme-driven cascade reaction system was modified by cancer cell membranes for improving biocompatibility and achieving tumor homologous targeting ability. GOx catalysis reaction could produce abundant H2O2 and lower the local pH, thereby optimizing key reaction-limiting factors. Additionally, upon laser irradiation, Ir SAzymes could raise local temperature, further enhancing the catalytic efficiency of dual-enzyme system. This comprehensive optimization maximized the performance of Ir SAzymes, significantly improving the efficiency of catalytic therapy. Our findings present a strategy of refining single-atom catalytic kinetics for tumor homologous-targeted catalytic therapy.

Dual-atom nanozymes: Synthesis, characterization, catalytic mechanism and biomedical applications

Dual-atom nanozymes (DAzymes), a novel class of nanozymes featuring dual-metal atomic active centers, mimic the multi-metal synergistic mechanisms of natural enzymes to achieve superior catalytic activity compared to conventional single-atom nanozymes. Their unique dual-atom architecture not only effectively mitigates metal atom aggregation but also significantly enhances substrate adsorption capacity and catalytic efficiency through interatomic electronic coupling and spatial synergy. This structural innovation addresses critical limitations of single-atom nanozymes, including low metal loading and homogeneous active sites. This review systematically summarizes recent advancements in DAzymes: First, we elucidate their design principles and structural advantages, with a focus on precise synthesis strategies (e.g., spatial confinement, coordination stabilization) and atomic-level characterization techniques (e.g., synchrotron radiation-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy, spherical aberration-corrected electron microscopy). By unraveling structure-activity relationships, we clarify the multi-dimensional regulatory mechanisms of dual-atom systems-including coordination environments, electronic coupling, and spatial configurations-on redox enzyme-like activities such as peroxidase and superoxide dismutase mimics. Furthermore, we elaborate on their groundbreaking biomedical applications, including antibacterial and antitumor therapies via reactive oxygen species (ROS) regulation, antioxidant damage repair, and biosensing. This review aims to provide theoretical guidance for the rational design of high-performance DAzymes and to advance their translational applications in precision medicine and intelligent biomaterials.

N-doped carbon dots as electrolytes to boost photoelectrochemical water oxidation for a photo-assisted zinc-air battery

N-doped carbon dots (CDs) as electrolytes enhance BiVO4 photoanode performance for water oxidation. This enhancement originates from the semiconductor nature of CDs that assemble with BiVO4 into dynamic p-n heterojunctions for efficient charge separation. Integrated into a photo-assisted zinc-air battery, the system reduced the voltage gap under illumination, enabling stable cycling.

Ultrasound-responsive release of CD39 inhibitor overcomes adenosine-mediated immunosuppression in triple-negative breast cancer

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), an exceptionally aggressive subtype of breast cancer, is characterized by a poor prognosis and limited treatment options. Although immunotherapy has shown promise for the treatment of TNBC, the immunosuppressive accumulation of adenosine (ADO) in the tumor microenvironment (TME) contributes to immune evasion and tumor progression. To address this challenge, we introduce a novel ultrasound-responsive liposomal system (BFPL) designed to inhibit ADO production and enhance the effectiveness of sonoimmunotherapy. BFPL consists of lipid membranes loaded with an endoplasmic reticulum (ER)-targeting sonosensitizer (PMPS) and a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive CD39 inhibitor (FPL-67156) polyplex, synthesized via the thin-film hydration method. Upon ultrasound irradiation, BFPL generates substantial ROS, inducing robust immunogenic cell death (ICD) through ER stress. Concurrently, ROS-mediated deboronation of the polyplex releases FPL-67156, which inhibits ATP degradation into ADO, thereby promoting dendritic cell maturation and activating effector T cells. Moreover, BFPL effectively triggers a potent antitumor immune response and enhances the efficacy of anti-PD-L1 immunotherapy. Thus, by modulating metabolic pathways to counteract ADO-associated barriers in ICD therapy, this innovative approach holds potential for improving immunotherapy outcomes in TNBC.

Enzyme-induced liquid-to-solid phase transition of a mitochondria-targeted AIEgen in cancer theranostics

Enzyme-instructed self-assembly (EISA) is a promising approach to anti-cancer therapeutics due to its precise targeting and unique cell death mechanism. In this study, we introduce a small molecule, DN6, which undergoes nitroreductase (NTR)-responsive liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS) followed by a liquid-to-solid phase transition (LST) through a gel-like intermediate state, resulting in the formation of nanoaggregates with spatiotemporal control. The reduced form of DN6 (DN6R), owing to its aggregation-induced emission (AIE) and mitochondria-targeting capabilities, has been employed for organelle-specific imaging of tumor hypoxia. The red-emissive DN6R nanoaggregates in situ generated by NTR induce mitochondrial damage and oxidative stress, culminating in apoptosis in cancer cells and spheroids. The organelle-specific targeting, visualization, and therapeutic outcomes achieved by leveraging LST of NTR-responsive AIEgenic DN6 render it as a promising agent for cancer theranostics.

Light/Ultrasound Dual Responsive Carbon Dots-Based Nanovaccines for Multimodal Activation Tumor Immunotherapy of Melanoma

Melanoma is a highly aggressive and metastatic tumor, and immunotherapy has become the current solution. However, conventional nanovaccines do not strongly activate T cell immune responses. Therefore, development of effective therapeutic nanovaccines to activate systemic antitumor immunity is urgently required. Herein, light/ultrasound (US) dual-responsive carbon dot-based nanovaccines (Cu-N-CDs@OVA) are designed using copper-nitrogen-coordinated carbon dots composited with ovalbumin. Under 650-nm laser irradiation, Cu-N-CDs@OVA exhibited superior photothermal ablation of primary tumors, induced immunogenic cell death and released antigens by phototherapy, facilitating the maturation of dendritic cells (DCs). More importantly, Cu-N-CDs@OVA stably penetrated and diffused upon US treatment, eradicating metastatic tumors and generating low-dose reactive oxygen species to activate DCs. By integrating with the model antigen OVA, the combined multimodal treatment promotes DC maturation to activate systematic antitumor immunity. This is the first example of a light/US dual-responsive therapeutic nanovaccine that provides a paradigm for the production of personalized nanovaccines against malignant tumors.

Mechanically Strong Nanocolloidal Supramolecular Plastics Assembled from Carbonized Polymer Dots with Photoactivated Room-Temperature Phosphorescence

The innovative development of supramolecular plastics (SPs) is recognized as one of the global efforts to address the environmental pollution caused by petroleum-based plastics. Traditional SPs usually show weak mechanical strength because of relatively weak noncovalent bonds and a lack of appropriate functions for practical applications. To overcome these limitations, we herein report nanocolloidal supramolecular plastics (NSPs) assembled from newly emerging nanoparticles, namely, carbonized polymer dots (CPDs) modified with ureido pyrimidinone groups. These NSPs display good mechanical properties, unique photoactivated room-temperature phosphorescence (RTP), and excellent solvent stability. Notably, NSPs are recyclable with maintenance of their original mechanics and photoactivated RTP after several usages. Furthermore, photoactivated RTP with multiple colors is achieved by incorporating organic molecules into NSPs. We show proof-of-concept applications of NSPs in high-level information security. The results in this work pave an avenue toward functional materials assembled from CPDs and will advance the development of innovative nanomaterials for sustainable applications.

Bioactive metal sulfide nanomaterials as photo-enhanced chemodynamic nanoreactors for tumor therapy

Metal sulfide nanomaterials (MeSNs) are highly promising for biomedical applications due to their low toxicity, good dispersibility, high stability, adjustable particle sizes, and good biocompatibility. Their unique chemical and light-conversion properties also enable them to function as photothermal or photodynamic agents, enhancing chemodynamic therapy (CDT) of tumors. This makes MeSNs valuable as photo-enhanced CDT nanoagents, advancing precision and multi-modal tumor treatment. This review examines recent advancements in MeSNs for photo-enhanced chemodynamic tumor ablation, comparing their effectiveness in CDT. It highlights the roles of photothermal, photodynamic, and photocatalytic effects in enhancing treatment efficacy. MeSN-based nanoreactors are categorized by composition into iron sulfide, copper sulfide, other unary, and multi-MeSNs for their applications in tumor therapy. Additionally, this review discusses challenges, limitations, and future biomedical applications of MeSNs, offering insights into their potential for next-generation cancer treatments.

Ruthenium Single-Atom Nanozyme Driven Sonosensitizer with Oxygen Vacancies Enhances Electron-Hole Separation Efficacy and Remodels Tumor Microenvironment for Sonodynamic-Amplified Ferroptosis

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has emerged as a promising noninvasive approach for tumor therapy. However, the effectiveness of traditional inorganic semiconductor sonosensitizers is hindered by rapid electron (e-) and hole (h+) recombination under ultrasonic (US) stimulation, as well as the hypoxic and reductive conditions of tumor microenvironment (TME), which limit the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Herein, a ruthenium (Ru) single-atom nanozyme-driven superimposition-enhanced titanium dioxide-based sonosensitizer (Ru/TiO2-x SAE) is presented that features sufficient oxygen vacancies and high e-/h+ separation efficiency. Through synchrotron radiation-based X-ray absorption spectroscopy and extended X-ray absorption fine structure analysis it is confirmed that oxygen vacancies in TiO2-x nanoparticles promote the immobilization of single-atomic Ru, forming Ru-O₄ active sites. Density functional theory calculations demonstrate that oxygen vacancies alter the electronic structure of nanosensitizer, enhanced e-/h+ separation, increasing oxygen adsorption, and accelerating reaction kinetics under US stimulation, ultimately improving ROS production. Moreover, Ru/TiO2-x SAE boosts sonodynamic efficacy by mitigating the hypoxic and reductive TME. This is attributed to its catalase- and glutathione peroxidase 4-like activities, which facilitate the generation of ROS and trigger lipid peroxidation-mediated ferroptosis. These findings highlight the innovative role of single-atom Ru in optimizing sonosensitizers for SDT-induced ferroptosis, demonstrating its potential for advancing cancer therapy.

Photoresponsive Blood-Derived Protein Hydrogels Packed with Bioactive Carbon Dots Modulate Mitochondrial Homeostasis and Reprogram Metabolism for Chronic Wound Healing in Diabetes

Autologous platelet concentrates (APC) represent a class of personalized regenerative materials for vascularized tissue regeneration. However, shortcomings including poor controllability of gel formation, lack of reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenging ability, and deficient anti-inflammatory capacity restrict the tissue healing outcomes of APC. This study proposes an APC-based synergistic platform (CurCDs@iPRF-MA) for the treatment of chronic wounds in diabetes. Such a platform is composed of injectable platelet-rich fibrin (iPRF), gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA), and a carbogenic nanodrug from curcumin (CurCDs) that is injectable before the light-induced gel formation process, greatly facilitating the clinical applications of APC. Significantly, CurCDs@iPRF-MA can modulate the mitochondrial homeostasis under inflammatory conditions, activate the oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) program, and regulate the diabetic microenvironment through metabolic reprogramming to achieve macrophage phenotype regulation and ROS elimination, as well as promote vascularization by releasing autologous growth factors, dramatically improving the healing efficacy of the chronic wounds in diabetes. This study offers a practical and effective approach to developing spatiotemporally controllable and multifunctional APC-based hydrogels for highly effective tissue regeneration.

Fluorescence-Switchable Iron-Doped Nanodot Assembly as a Robust Redox Dyshomeostasis Amplifier for Noninvasive Treatment of Deep-Seated Tumors

Carbon dots (CDs) have been recognized as promising candidates for cancer diagnosis and therapy, owing to their intrinsic fluorescence properties and facile functionalization pathways. However, such tiny-sized CDs tend to be rapidly excreted by the kidney and/or hepatobiliary system before reaching the tumor site, which may significantly weaken their performance in tumor theranostics. Here, fluorescence switchable iron-doped carbon dot assemblies (FCDDs) are developed with an average size of ≈120 nm for passive tumor targeting. After lesional enrichment, FCDDs can be dissembled into Fe-doped CDs (FCDs) with fluorescence switched on, in response to the upregulated glutathione (GSH) in the tumor microenvironment. The ultrasmall FCDs are able to penetrate into the deep region of solid tumors and generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) through the Fenton reaction. Such ROS accumulation and GSH deprivation caused by FCDDs can effectively trigger the irreversible apoptosis and ferroptosis of tumor cells. Meanwhile, the resultant intracellular redox dyshomeostasis induces prominent immunogenic cell death to prevent metastasis. Tumor-specific fluorescence imaging not only enables cancerous tissue probing but also assists in monitoring the treatment effectiveness. Taken together, this paradigm exemplifies a practical approach to improve the functionality of CDs toward clinical applications and may inspire more facile designs toward upcoming translational medicines.

Tumor-Targeted Exosome-Based Heavy Atom-Free Nanosensitizers With Long-Lived Excited States for Safe and Effective Sono-Photodynamic Therapy of Solid Tumors

Theranostic nanosensitizers with combined near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging and sono-photodynamic effects have great potential for use in the personalized treatment of deep-seated tumors. However, developing effective nanosensitizers for NIR fluorescence image-guided sono-photodynamic therapy remains a considerable challenge, including the low generation efficacy of reactive oxygen species (ROS), poor photostability, and the absence of cancer specificity. Herein, a novel heavy atom-free nanosensitizer is developed, which exhibits intense NIR fluorescence, high ROS generation efficiency, and improved aqueous stability. By conjugating a bulky and electron-rich group, 4-(1,2,2-triphenylvinyl)-1,1'-biphenyl (TPE), to the IR820 backbone, the resulting IR820 bearing TPE (IR820-TPE) effectively generates ROS via type I and II photochemical mechanisms under 808 nm laser irradiation. Moreover, TPE conjugation considerably increases the sono-photodynamic performance of IR820. To improve the intracellular delivery and tumor-targeting ability of IR820-TPE, biotin-conjugated exosome (B-Exo) is used as a natural nanocarrier. In vitro studies demonstrate the outstanding therapeutic performance of IR820-TPE-loaded B-Exo (IR820-TPE@B-Exo) in synergistic sono-photodynamic cancer therapy. In vivo studies reveal that IR820-TPE@B-Exo shows enhanced tumor accumulation, strong fluorescence signals, and effective sono-photodynamic therapeutic activity with high biosafety. This work demonstrates that IR820-TPE@B-Exo is a promising sono-phototheranostic agent for safe and targeted cancer therapy and NIR fluorescence imaging.

Electrostatically Stabilized Light-Activated Membrane Delivery System: Overcoming Membrane Flexibility and Self-Repair to Enhance Tumor Therapy

Cell membrane-coated nanoparticle-based delivery systems often struggle with inevitable drug leakage during the delivery process and inefficient drug release at the tumor site, resulting in unsatisfactory antitumor outcomes. Here, we present an electrostatically stabilized light-activated membrane delivery system (Hybrid membrane nanoparticles, [Hm]@NPs) for leak-free drug delivery, coupled with precisely site-specific and controllable drug release, to elevate cancer treatment. [Hm]@NPs are constructed by encapsulating an aggregation-induced emission (AIE) photosensitizer (Phenalen-1-one-quinoline malonitrile-thiophene tribenamine, Phe-Qui-T) into a positively charged reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive polymer (F127-TP-U11) to form a positively charged nanoparticle and then coating it with a negatively charged hybrid membrane containing red blood cell membrane and Panc-1 cell membrane. [Hm]@NPs with high stability effectively prevent drug leakage through electrostatic interaction between the hybrid membrane and nanoparticle. Simultaneously, the photosensitizer Phe-Qui-T with light-controlled ROS generation efficiently destroys both the ROS-responsive polymer and the hybrid membrane, ensuring precise and sufficient drug release while enabling photodynamic therapy (PDT), thereby augmenting antitumor efficacy. [Hm]@NPs show impressive tumor inhibition in pancreatic cancer mouse models, highlighting the potential of this light-controlled membrane-disruption strategy for advanced cell membrane-coated nanodelivery system design.

In situ construction of heterojunctions to regulate the biodegradation behavior of copper carriers for tumor-specific cuproptosis-enhanced sono-immunotherapy

Cuproptosis, a novel approach utilizing copper carriers to trigger programmed cell death, exhibits promise for enhancing traditional therapies and activating robust adaptive immune responses. However, the uncontrolled release of Cu ions risks triggering cuproptosis in healthy tissues, potentially causing irreversible damage. To address this, we report on the use of a Cu-MOF (copper metal-organic framework) protective layer to regulate the biodegradation of copper-based nanomaterials. In situ formation of Cu-MOF on Cu2O nanocubes not only stabilizes the material under physiological conditions but also enhances its sonodynamic therapy (SDT) capabilities by establishing a Z-Scheme heterojunction. Upon SDT activation, the targeted Cu ion release at the tumor site triggers a cascade of reactions, generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) via Fenton-like processes and depleting glutathione (GSH). This ROS surge, combined with effective cuproptosis, modulates the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment, inducing immunogenic cell death to eliminate primary tumors and inhibit metastasis. This study offers a new paradigm for the controlled integration of SDT, chemodynamic therapy (CDT), cuproptosis, and immunotherapy, achieving precise tumor-targeted treatment via controlled copper nanomaterial degradation.

Single-atom Zr doped heterojunction enhanced piezocatalysis for implant infection therapy through synergistic metal immunotherapy with sonodynamic and physical puncture

Recent common clinical treatments for implant bacterial infections involve replacing inert implants and using antibiotics. However, these methods remain limited in their effectiveness for pathogen clearance, immune regulation, and osteogenesis. In this study, we developed a Zr-doped heterointerface of SrTiO3 and Hap (SrTiZrO3/Hap) heterojunction coating with single-atom Zr doping and heterogeneous interfaces designed for ultrasound-responsive antimicrobial activity and bone formation. Under ultrasound, the mechanical force exerted by SrTiZrO3/Hap enhances its physical puncture and sonodynamic activity, synergizing with the metalloimmunotherapy effect of Zr4+ for efficient antimicrobial activity. The primary mechanism enhancing sonodynamic activity involves local interfacial polarization from single-atom Zr doping, achieving piezoelectric catalysis in conjunction with electronic polarization from the built-in electric field. SrTiZrO3/Hap achieved a 99.3% antibacterial rate against S. aureus and 99.7% against E. coli under ultrasound. Additionally, SrTiZrO3/Hap promoted osteogenic differentiation after ultrasound irradiation by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway via its piezoelectric, needle-like topological surface and the release of functional ions, thus accelerating bone repair.

A mediator-free sonogenetic switch for therapeutic protein expression in mammalian cells

An ultrasound-responsive transgene circuit can provide non-invasive, spatiotemporally precise remote control of gene expression and cellular behavior in synthetic biology applications. However, current ultrasound-based systems often rely on nanoparticles or harness ultrasound's thermal effects, posing risks of tissue damage and cellular stress that limit their therapeutic potential. Here, we present Spatiotemporal Ultrasound-induced Protein Expression Regulator (SUPER), a novel gene switch enabling mediator-free, non-invasive and direct regulation of protein expression via ultrasound in mammalian cells. SUPER leverages the mammalian reactive oxygen species (ROS) sensing system, featuring KEAP1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1), NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), and antioxidant response element (ARE) as its core components. We demonstrate that low-intensity (1.5 W/cm2, ∼45 kHz), brief (40 s) ultrasound exposure generates non-toxic levels of ROS, activating the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway in engineered cells and leading to the controlled expression of target gene(s) via a synthetic ARE promoter. The system exhibits robust expression dynamics, excellent reversibility, and functionality in various cell types, including human mesenchymal stem cell-derived lines (hMSC-TERT). In a proof-of-concept study, ultrasound stimulation of subcutaneously implanted microencapsulated engineered cells stably expressing the sonogenetic circuit in a type 1 diabetic mouse model triggered sufficient insulin production to restore normoglycemia. Our work highlights ultrasound's potential as a precise and non-invasive tool for advancing cell and gene therapies in personalized medicine.

Super-multiplexed imaging and coding in the range of radio frequency

The era of the Internet has led to an information explosion, creating significant challenges for current techniques in information storage and access. High-performance strategies that expand existing methods offer a promising solution. Imaging-based approaches are vital for information perception but remain underexplored for information processing due to limited multiplexity. Here, we introduce 19F magnetic resonance imaging-Empowered information Assess and Storage Technique (FEAST), enabled by 22 fluorinated quaternary ammonium derivatives with distinct 19F chemical shifts. We developed three coding platforms for FEAST: fluorinated choline analog solutions, fluorinated deep eutectic solvents, and fluorinated ionogels. These platforms allow 2-spatial-dimensional applications, such as 16-bit encoding, "dual-color" watermarking, multiplexed Colorcodes, and encrypted QR codes, as well as 3-spatial-dimensional applications like "cubic" information storage, implanted anti-counterfeit labels, and FEAST-guided encryption. This work highlights FEAST's potential for advanced information storage and access, which is inspiring for further developments with versatile and robust coding platforms.

Near-infrared Emission Carbon Dots Derived from Bromo-Substituted Perylene Derivatives with Simultaneously High Type I/II ROS Generation for Effective Bacterial Elimination and Tumor Ablation

Bacterial infections and tumor tissues are characterized by complex microenvironments with uneven oxygen availability. Effective photodynamic therapy for these conditions requires photosensitizers that can perform optimally within such environments, specifically by generating both type I and II reactive oxygen species (ROS) simultaneously. Carbon dots (CDs), a type of fluorescent nanomaterial smaller than 10 nm, are commonly used to treat bacterial infections and tumors. However, their current limitations, such as short maximum absorption and emission wavelengths, significantly restrict their therapeutic efficacy in deep tissues. In response to these challenges, a new type of fluorescent carbon dots with near-infrared (NIR) absorption and emission properties is reported, featuring a maximum emission peak beyond 700 nm (NIR-I region). These CDs offer strong tissue penetration and reduced tissue absorption advantages. Additionally, bromine atom doping significantly enhances the generation of type I and II ROS through efficient photodynamic processes. In vitro studies demonstrated their high photodynamic efficacy in antibacterial and antitumor applications. Ultimately, these findings translate into significant therapeutic effectiveness for treating skin infections and tumors in vivo. This study employs bromine-doped CDs nanomaterials, which demonstrate maximum fluorescence emission in the NIR region, to achieve efficient photodynamic treatment of bacterial infections and tumor ablation in complex microenvironments.

Ultrathin high-entropy hydrotalcites-based injectable hydrogel with programmed bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects to accelerate drug-resistant bacterial infected wound healing

Drug-resistant bacteria infected wounds often bring high risks of delayed healing process and even death. Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) can efficiently kill drug-resistant bacteria. However, superabundant reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated during SDT inevitably trigger significant inflammatory responses, hindering tissue remodeling. Herein, we develop intelligent ultrathin high-entropy hydrotalcites (UHE-HTs)-based injectable thermal-responsive hydrogel loaded with nicotinamide mononucleotide (UHE-HTs/PFN), aiming to achieve programmed antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects. In the early infection stage, sonosensitive UHE-HTs/PFN hydrogel simultaneously can trigger rapid production of singlet oxygen (1O2) under ultrasound and efficient MDR bacterial sterilization. After halting ultrasonic irradiation, oxidoreductase-mimicking catalysis and nicotinamide mononucleotide release of UHE-HTs/PFN hydrogel effectively reduce ROS levels at wound sites, dampening the NF-κB inflammatory pathway. Such inhibited NF-κB expression can not only reduce the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inflammatory responses, but also significantly down-regulate the pyroptosis pathways (NLRP3/ASC/Casp-1) and inhibit pyroptosis that leads to inflammation. Moreover, significantly reduced ROS levels and synergistic release of Mg2+ reverse pro-inflammatory immune microenvironment. Both in vitro and in vivo assays demonstrate that UHE-HTs/PFN hydrogel can transform the adverse infected wound environment into a regenerative one by eradicating drug-resistant bacteria, scavenging ROS, and synergistic anti-inflammation. Therefore, this work develop an intelligent UHE-HTs/PFN hydrogel act as a "lever" that effectively achieve a balance between ROS generation and annihilation, rebuilding harmonious bactericidal and anti-inflammatory effects to remedy drug-resistant bacteria infected wound.

Recent advances in near-infrared organic photosensitizers for photodynamic cancer therapy

With the advancement of photodynamic therapy, various photosensitizers have been developed to enhance the efficacy of cancer treatment while minimizing side effects. Recently, near-infrared organic fluorophores have gained significant attention as promising photodynamic agents for cancer therapy due to their tunable photophysical properties, structural versatility, good biocompatibility, high biosafety, and synthetic flexibility. In particular, near-infrared organic photosensitizers offer several notable advantages, including deep tissue penetration, a low fluorescence background for bioimaging, and reduced damage to biological tissues compared to traditional visible-spectrum photosensitizers. In this minireview, we will discuss the current developments in near-infrared organic photosensitizers for photodynamic cancer therapy. Furthermore, we will briefly highlight the challenges and prospects in this field. This minireview aims to encourage more researchers to develop advanced near-infrared organic photosensitizers and facilitate their transition from laboratory research to preclinical studies and ultimately to clinical use.

Nanomaterials Enhanced Sonodynamic Therapy for Multiple Tumor Treatment

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) as an emerging modality for malignant tumors mainly involves in sonosensitizers and low-intensity ultrasound (US), which can safely penetrate the tissue without significant attenuation. SDT not only has the advantages including high precision, non-invasiveness, and minimal side effects, but also overcomes the limitation of low penetration of light to deep tumors. The cytotoxic reactive oxygen species can be produced by the utilization of sonosensitizers combined with US and kill tumor cells. However, the underlying mechanism of SDT has not been elucidated, and its unsatisfactory efficiency retards its further clinical application. Herein, we shed light on the main mechanisms of SDT and the types of sonosensitizers, including organic sonosensitizers and inorganic sonosensitizers. Due to the development of nanotechnology, many novel nanoplatforms are utilized in this arisen field to solve the barriers of sonosensitizers and enable continuous innovation. This review also highlights the potential advantages of nanosonosensitizers and focus on the enhanced efficiency of SDT based on nanosonosensitizers with monotherapy or synergistic therapy for deep tumors that are difficult to reach by traditional treatment, especially orthotopic cancers.

Ultrasound-Activated Copper Matrix Nanosonosensitizer for Cuproptosis-Based Synergy Therapy

Cuproptosis exhibits enormous application prospects in treatment. However, cuproptosis-based therapy is impeded by the limited intracellular copper ions, the nonspecific delivery, uncontrollable release, and chelation of endogenous overproduced glutathione (GSH). In this work, an ultrasound-triggered nanosonosensitizer (p-TiO2-Cu(I)) was constructed for Cu(I) delivery, on-demand release, GSH consumption, and deeper tissue response. When the nanomedicine was internalized into the tumor cells, ultrasound (US) induced the nanosonosensitizer to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) to achieve sonodynamic therapy (SDT). GSH, acting as a hole trapping agent, improved the efficiency of SDT. Meanwhile, the downgrade of GSH was beneficial to cuproptosis and oxidative damage-based SDT in return. What is more, the US could regulate the release behavior of Cu(I). Cu(I) bonded to mitochondrial proteins and then aggregated the lipoylated protein, bringing about the turbulence of the tricarboxylic acid cycle. The combination of SDT and cuproptosis showed high matching to induce efficient cuproptosis and may inspire other cuproptosis-based nanosonosensitizer designs.

Vacancy engineering enhanced photothermal-catalytic properties of Co9S8-x nanozymes for mild NIR-II hyperthermia-amplified nanocatalytic cancer therapy

While nanozymes are commonly employed in nanocatalytic therapy (NCT), the efficacy of NCT is hampered by the limited catalytic activity of nanozymes and the intricate tumor microenvironment (TME). In this work, we design a high-efficiency nanozyme with NIR-II photothermal property for the mild hyperthermia-augmented NCT. In order to endow a single-component nanomaterial the ability to simultaneously catalyze and exhibit NIR-II photothermal properties, a straightforward template method is utilized to fabricate sulfur vacancies (VS)-doped Co9S8-x nanocages. Introducing VS not only lowers the bandgap structure of Co9S8, enhancing its NIR-II photothermal properties, but also facilitates the control of the Co2+ and Co3+ ratio in Co9S8, leading to a boost in its catalytic activity. Furthermore, the catalytic efficiency of Co9S8-x nanocages was boosted by the mild hyperthermia. Moreover, the Co9S8-x nanocages exhibited high-efficiency GSH-px-mimic catalytic activity, facilitating the cascade amplification of ROS production. Through the integrated multifunctionality of Co9S8-x nanocages, we successfully enhanced the effectiveness of antitumor treatment with a single drug injection and a single 1064 nm laser irradiation for mild hyperthermia-augmented NCT. This work provides a distinct paradigm of endowing nanomaterials with catalytic activity and photothermal property for mild NIR-II PTT-amplified NCT through a vacancy engineering strategy.

Macrophage Membrane-Encapsulated Carbon Dots for Precise Targeting Diagnosis and Treatment of Bacterial Infections

How to accurately diagnose and treat bacterial infections in vivo remains a huge challenge. Therefore, we have developed a targeted delivery nanosystem by coextruding the pretreated macrophage membrane of S. aureus with carbon dots (M@CD). The M@CD nanosystem demonstrates potent antibacterial effects both in vivo and in vitro through the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, M@CD exhibits enhanced targeting ability and stable fluorescence properties, addressing issues such as poor targeting efficiency and high immunogenicity in vivo. This innovative approach enables infection site specific aggregation and elimination of bacterial infections, thereby providing a promising strategy for the integrated diagnosis, treatment, and monitoring of bacterial infections.

Dual State Emissive AIE Active Carbon Dots with Matrix-Free Room Temperature Phosphorescence

Long-lived triplet excitons are kingmakers to generate high efficiency optoelectronic OLEDs. However, it is difficult to produce matrix-free solid state emissive room temperature phosphorescence (RTP) from carbon dots (CDs). In the present work, limited rotation of the two naphthol rings in (R)-1,1-Bi-2-naphthol (R-Binol) has been used to synthesize CDs aimed to obtain emission in the aggregated and RTP states. The R-Binol-derived CDs were prepared using an easy one-pot solvothermal treatment of the precursor. In-depth structural analysis reveals the presence of twisted naphthalene moiety that resists π-π stacking to make it dual emissive. These CDs are prone to accumulate producing spherical aggregates with 32-fold enhanced emission in binary THF-water mixture. Nevertheless, for the first time, we harvested triplet excitons from matrix free CDs generating 23 % PLQY. A phosphor converted light emitting diode (pc-LED) was also fabricated with the CDs.

A glutathione-activated bismuth-gallic acid metal-organic framework nano-prodrug for enhanced sonodynamic therapy of breast tumor

Sonodynamic therapy is a promising, noninvasive, and precise tumor treatment that leverages sonosensitizers to generate cytotoxic reactive oxygen species during ultrasound stimulation. Gallic acid (GA), a natural polyphenol, possesses certain anti-tumor properties, but exhibits significant toxicity toward normal cells, limiting its application in cancer treatment. To overcome this issue, we synthesized a bismuth-gallic acid (BGA), coordinated metal-organic framework (MOF) nano-prodrug. Upon encountering glutathione (GSH), BGA gradually dissociated and depleted GSH, releasing GA, which had anti-tumor effects. As an MOF with semiconductor properties, BGA primarily produced superoxide anion radical upon ultrasound excitation. After the release of GA, GA generated superoxide anion radical and further produced high toxic singlet oxygen under ultrasound stimulation, while further oxidizing and consuming GSH, enhancing sonocatalytic performance. Additionally, the released GA induced cell cycle arrest, ultimately leading to apoptosis. Our results revealed that BGA, as a GSH-activated, metal-polyphenol MOF nano-prodrug, showed potential for use in breast tumor sonodynamic therapy, providing a novel strategy for precise tumor treatment.

Enhanced Molecular Imaging through a Versatile Peptide Nanofiber for Self-Assembly and Precise Recognition

Designing molecules for multivalent targeting of specific disease markers can enhance binding stability which is critical in molecular imaging and targeted therapy. Through rational molecular design, the nanostructures formed by self-assembly of targeting peptides are expected to achieve multivalent targeting by increasing the density of recognition ligands. However, the balance between targeting peptide self-assembly and molecular recognition remains elusive. In this study, we designed a targeting-peptide-based imaging probe system TAP which consist of the signal unit, the recognition motif, the assembly motif and a Pro-leverage. It is verified that TAP could specifically binds to PD-L1-positive tumor cells in a multivalent manner to produce biological effects, and could also be combined with imaging probes through unique self-assembly strategies. By the balance between the peptide self-assembly and targeting recognition, the specificity and stability can be improved while the accumulation capacity of the probes at the tumor site can be greatly enhanced compared with the conventional strategy, thus reducing side effects, providing an effective tool for diagnostic and therapeutic integration of tumors.

Low toxicity ginsenoside Rg1-carbon nanodots as a potential therapeutic agent for human non-small cell lung cancer

Here ginsenoside Rg1 was used to synthesise Rg1 carbon nanodots via a one-step hydrothermal method. The surface of the Rg1 carbon nanodots is rich in hydrophilic functional groups with good water solubility and biocompatibility. The Rg1 carbon nanodots exhibited a high inhibitory effect on the proliferation, migration, and proapoptotic ability of non-small cell lung cancer A549 cells. The changes in the levels of ROS, Ca2+, and MMP in A549 cells after the administration of Rg1 carbon nanodots were evaluated and further correlated with relevant proteins in the caspase apoptotic pathway. Proteomic screening revealed that the Rg1 carbon nanodots could regulate A549 cell apoptosis by activating the expression of MAPK pathway-related proteins. In the in vivo experiment, the therapeutic efficacy of the Rg1 carbon nanodots in inhibiting tumour growth was much higher than that of commonly used chemotherapy drugs, with negligible toxicity and side effects. Immunohistochemical staining showed that the expression of caspase- and MAPK pathway-related proteins in mouse tumour tissues was consistent with that at the cellular level. The results suggest that Rg1 carbon nanodots can promote tumour apoptosis and represent a potential therapeutic agent for human non-small-cell lung cancer.

Graphene Quantum Dot Sensitized Heterojunctions Induce Tumor-Specific Cuproptosis to Boost Sonodynamic and Chemodynamic Enhanced Cancer Immunotherapy

Cuproptosis that utilizes copper ionophore to induce programmed cell death holds promise for enhancing the effectiveness of conventional anticancer therapies and triggering efficient adaptive immune responses. However, the non-tumor-specific release of Cu ions can induce cuproptosis and cause irreversible damage to normal tissues. To maximize the therapeutic effects of tumor-specific cuproptosis, this work reports for the first time the regulation of degradation behaviors of Cu-based nanomaterials using graphene quantum dots (GQDs) as a protection layer. The deposition of GQDs not only avoids the degradation of Cu2O nanocubes under normal physiological conditions, but also sensitizes their sonodynamic activity due to the formation of Z-scheme heterojunctions. The tumor-specific released Cu ions achieve the cascade amplification of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation through Cu+-mediated Fenton-like reaction and Cu2+-facilitated GSH depletion. More importantly, the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) can be reversed by the greatly enhanced ROS levels and high-efficiency cuproptosis, ultimately inducing immunogenic cell death that promotes robust systemic immune responses for the eradication of primary tumors and suppression of distant tumors. This work provides a novel paradigm for the integration of SDT, CDT, cuproptosis, and immunotherapy in a controlled manner to achieve tumor-specific antitumor therapy by controlling the degradation behaviors of Cu-based nanomaterials.

Simultaneously delivery of functional gallium ions and hydrogen sulfide to endow potentiated treatment efficacy in chemo- and PARPi-resistant ovarian cancer

Limited therapeutic options are available for patients with platinum-resistant ovarian cancer (OC). Herein, we developed gallium sulfide-embedded bovine serum albumin nanoformulations (Ga2S3-BSA NMs) with a size of ~ 11 nm via a self-assembly approach. As the nanoformulations degraded in an acidic cancer microenvironment, Ga3+ and H2S gas were simultaneously released to exert their combined anticancer effects. In A2780-CIS and SKOV3-CIS platinum-resistant OC cells, Ga3+ and H2S released from Ga2S3-BSA NMs synergistically enhanced DNA damage, which arrested the cell cycle at S and G2/M phases and suppressed cell proliferation. Meanwhile, Ga2S3-BSA NMs significantly inhibited NF-κB signaling and Bcl2 protein expression, leading to cell apoptosis. Furthermore, Ga2S3-BSA NMs increased cellular lipid peroxidation and triggered ferroptosis. RNA-seq analysis further clarified the comprehensive antitumor mechanisms of Ga2S3-BSA NMs. More importantly, the therapeutic efficacy of Ga2S3-BSA NMs and their ability to enhance the sensitivity to carboplatin and fluzoparib with negligible toxicity were further confirmed in a platinum-resistant OC animal model. Altogether, our results demonstrated a potentially safe and practical strategy by using Ga2S3-BSA NMs to combat drug resistance in platinum-resistant OC.

Cell-membrane targeting sonodynamic therapy combination with FSP1 inhibition for ferroptosis-boosted immunotherapy

Cell membrane targeting sonodynamic therapy could induce the accumulation of lipid peroxidation (LPO), drive ferroptosis, and further enhances immunogenic cell death (ICD) effects. However, ferroptosis is restrained by the ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) at the plasma membrane, which can catalyze the regeneration of ubiquinone (CoQ10) by using NAD(P)H to suppress the LPO accumulation. This work describes the construction of US-active nanoparticles (TiF NPs), which combinate cell-membrane targeting sonosensitizer TBT-CQi with FSP1 inhibitor (iFSP1), facilitating cell-membrane targeting sonodynamic-triggered ferroptosis. TiF NPs could induce a sonodynamic effect, which promotes lipid peroxidation and drives apoptosis. Furthermore, TiF NPs could suppress FSP1, induce CoQ10 depletion, down-regulate the NADH, enhance LPO accumulation, and finally induce ferroptosis. In vitro results demonstrated that synergetic cell membrane targeting SDT/FSP1 inhibition triggered immunogenic cell death (ICD). Moreover, the as-synthesized TiF NPs-mediated cell membrane targeting SDT/FSP1 inhibition thoroughly inhibited the tumor growth and simultaneously activated antitumor immunity to suppress lung metastasis. This work represents a promising tumor therapeutic strategy combining cell membrane targeting SDT and FSP1 inhibition, potentially inspiring further research in developing logical and effective cancer therapies based on synergistic SDT/ferroptosis.

Elucidating Manganese Single-Atom Doping: Strategies for Fluorescence Enhancement in Water-Soluble Red-Emitting Carbon Dots and Applications for FL/MR Dual Mode Imaging

The absence of the enhancement of fluorescence in carbon dots (CDs) through doping with transition metal atoms (TMAs) hinders the advancement of multi-modal bio-imaging CDs with high photoluminescence quantum yield (PLQY). Herein, Mn-atomically-doped R-CDs (R-Mn-CDs) with a high PLQY of 41.3% in water is presented, enabling efficient in vivo dual-mode fluorescence/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. The comprehensive characterizations reveal that the incorporation of Mn atoms leads to a Mn-N2O2 coordinating structure, resulting in five significant effects: an increase in sp2 conjugation domains, a reduction in band gap, a decreased oxidation level, an increase in photo-excited electron numbers, and the suppression of non-radiative electron relaxation pathways. Collectively, these factors contribute to the remarkable PLQY of R-Mn-CDs. Additionally, the doping of Mn atoms also endows R-Mn-CDs with superior MR imaging capabilities due to, which highlights their promising prospect as a dual-modal bio-imaging platform for fluorescence/MR imaging. Furthermore, the findings indicate that the introduction of various TMAs, such as Mn, Zn, Ni, and Cu, can universally improve the PLQY of water-soluble CDs through the construction of TMAs─O bonds. This research provides valuable theoretical insights into the mechanisms underlying the fluorescence enhancement induced by TMAs doping and offers guidance for the future design of high PLQY CDs.

A metal-organic framework functionalized CaO2-based cascade nanoreactor induces synergistic cuproptosis/ferroptosis and Ca2+ overload-mediated mitochondrial damage for enhanced sono-chemodynamic immunotherapy

Cuproptosis is an emerging form of programmed cell death and shows enormous prospect in cancer treatment. Excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), metal ion accumulation, and the tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle collapse are pivotal elements in the triggering of cell death via mitochondrial pathways. Herein, a cascade nanoreactor CaCuZC has been constructed by incorporating nanosonosensitizer IR780 carbon dots (IR780 CD) and calcium peroxide (CaO2) into metal-organic frameworks (MOF) for synergistic cuproptosis-ferroptosis and Ca2+overload mediated immunotherapy. Within tumor cells, CaCuZC dissociates into CaO2, Cu2+and sonosensitizer IR780 CD. The decomposition of CaO2 could generate H2O2 to strengthen the Cu2+-based chemodynamic therapy and Ca2+overload induces amplified intracellular oxidative stress, thus leading to mitochondrial dysfunction. As a result, the combination of Cu2+and Ca2+ overload together induce cascade mitochondrial damage. Moreover, the sonosensitizer IR780 CD generates ROS under ultrasound irradiation to amplify intracellular oxidative stress. In addition, the overloaded Cu2+ released from CaCuZC leads to the aggregation of lipoylated protein dihydrolipoamide S-acetyltransferase, thus resulting in cuproptosis. Furthermore, ferroptosis could been concomitantly induced by CaCuZC with intracellular glutathione (GSH) consumption and lipid peroxidation (LPO) accumulation. The cuproptosis-ferroptosis and Ca2+overload-enhanced synergistic therapy also activates robust immunogenic cell death. CaCuZC enhances the infiltration and activation of tumor-specific cytotoxic T cells to transform a "cold" tumor into a "hot" tumor, activating the anti-tumor immune response. This study provides a cascade of mitochondrial damage strategy for triggering cuproptosis-ferroptosis and Ca2+overload-enhanced immunotherapy and achieving improved therapeutic effects. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: To improve the efficacy of tumor immunotherapy, a cascade nanoreactor CaCuZC was successfully constructed based on a self-assembly strategy for cuproptosis-ferroptosis and Ca2+ overload mediated immunotherapy. Upon decomposition within the acidic and GSH-overexpressing tumor microenvironment, CaCuZC released CaO2 and Cu2+ and sonosensitizer IR780 CD. The CaO2 further produced H2O2/O2 and Ca2+ in a weakly acidic environment to strengthen the Cu2+-based CDT and IR780 CD-mediated SDT, respectively. The overload copper ions not only led to cuproptosis, but also efficiently induced ferroptosis. The cuproptosis-ferroptosis and Ca2+overload-enhanced synergistic therapy also activates robust immunogenic cell death. This study presents a cascade of mitochondrial damage strategy for cuproptosis-ferroptosis and Ca2+overload-enhanced immunotherapy.

d-arginine-functionalized carbon dots with enhanced near-infrared emission and prolonged metabolism time for tumor fluorescent-guided photothermal therapy

Carbon dots (CDs) have garnered significant interest owing to their distinctive optical properties. However, their bioimaging and biomedical applications are limited by pronounced fluorescence (FL) quenching in aqueous media and low tumor accumulation efficacy associated with their ultra-small size. This study proposes a simple surface modification approach using functioning d-arginine on CDs (d-Arg@CDs) to improve their near-infrared (NIR) FL in aqueous solution and maintain their high photothermal conversion properties. Because of the low utilization rate of dextral amino acids in animals, modifying CDs with low molecular weight d-arginine did not increase particle size but extended the metabolism time in blood circulation, thereby leading to enhanced accumulation efficacy at tumor sites in the mice model. The enhanced tumor accumulation of d-Arg@CDs resulted in significantly superior tumor NIR FL imaging and photothermal therapy performance compared with pure CDs and l-arginine functionalized CDs. This dextral amino acid modification approach is expected to be an effective tool for enhancing the biomedical applications of CDs.

Endogenetic Carbon Dot Strategy within Melamine-Formaldehyde Microspheres for Multifunctional Hybrid Fluorescence/Room-Temperature Phosphorescence Applications in Dry States and Aqueous Environments

Developing hybrid fluorescence (FL)/room-temperature phosphorescent (RTP) materials in dry-state, aqueous, and organic solvents holds paramount importance in broadening their applications. However, it is extremely challenging due to dissolved oxygen and solvent-assisted relaxation causing RTP quenching in an aqueous environment and great dependence on SiO2-based materials. Herein, an efficient endogenetic carbon dot (CD) strategy within melamine-formaldehyde (MF) microspheres to activate RTP of CDs has been proposed through the pyrolysis of isophthalic acid (IPA) molecules and branched-chain intra-microspheres. The formation mechanism of CDs@MF from molecules to CDs with a branched chain of microspheres has been systematically studied. Detailed investigations revealed that endogenetic CDs within MF microspheres strongly construct covalent and hydrogen-bonded interfacial connections, coupled with the protection provided by the microsphere shell, greatly suppressing nonradiative decay of CDs, resulting in a yellow or orange RTP duration of about 7 s that is visible to the naked eye, even in aqueous or organic environments. Three samples glowed bright white and orange light stemming from hybrid FL/RTP dual-mode emission with a quantum yield of 29%-36% and were successfully applied to single CD-based white and orange LEDs with tunable color temperature. Additionally, the CDs@MF microspheres for water-resistant advanced anticounterfeiting and time-dependent information encryption were also successfully demonstrated. It provided an effective strategy for multifunctional solvent-resistant FL/RTP microspheres by an endogenetic CD strategy.

Bimetallic doped carbon dot nanozymes for enhanced sonodynamic and nanocatalytic therapy

Conventional inorganic semiconductors are not suitable for acting as nanozymes or sonosensitizers for in vivo therapeutic nanomedicine owing to the lack of excellent biocompatibility. Biocompatible carbon dots (CDs) exhibit a variety of biological activities due to their adjustable size and surface chemical modification; however, the simultaneous sonodynamic activity and multiple enzyme-mimicking catalytic activity of a single CD have not been reported. Herein, we report the development of bimetallic doped CDs as a high-efficiency nanozyme and sonosensitizer for enhanced sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and nanocatalytic therapy (NCT). By selecting metal-organic complexes like EDTA-FeNa as the carbon source, we ensure that the coordination environments of metal atoms are preserved throughout the low-temperature calcination process. Compared with the single metal doped CDs including Fe-CDs or Ni-CDs, the obtained Fe and Ni co-doped CDs (Fe-Ni-CDs) not only exhibit enhanced sonodynamic activity owing to the decreased bandgap, but also possess augmented dual enzyme-mimicking catalytic activities due to the synergistic effect of bimetallic ions. The Fe-Ni-CD-mediated cascade amplification of ROS generation could lead to the production of 1O2 and O2˙- through SDT, the generation of ˙OH through POD-mimicking catalytic activity, and the provision of more O2 for SDT through CAT-mimicking catalytic activity. Through the integrated multifunctionality of Fe-Ni-CDs, we successfully enhanced the effectiveness of antitumor treatment with a single drug injection and a single US irradiation for enhanced SDT and NCT. This work provides a distinct paradigm of endowing CDs with sonodynamic and multiple enzyme-mimicking catalytic activities for enhanced SDT and NCT through bimetallic ion doping.

Rational construction of CQDs-based targeted multifunctional nanoplatform for synergistic chemo-photothermal tumor therapy

Photothermal therapy combined with chemotherapy has shown great promise in the treatment of cancer. In this synergistic system, a safe, stable, and efficient photothermal agent is desired. Herein, an effective photothermal agent, carbon quantum dots (CQDs), was initially synthesized and then rationally constructed a folic acid (FA)-targeted photothermal multifunctional nanoplatform by encapsulating CQDs and the anticancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) in the liposomes. Indocyanine green (ICG), a near infrared (NIR) photothermal agent, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, was embedded in the bilayer membrane to further enhance the photothermal effects and facilitate the rapid cleavage of liposomes for drug release. Triggered by the NIR laser, this engineered photothermal multifunctional nanoplatform, not only exhibited an excellent performance with the photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 47.14%, but also achieved controlled release of the payloads. In vitro, and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the photothermal multifunctional nanoplatform had excellent biocompatibility, enhanced tumor-specific targeting, stimuli-responsive drug release, effective cancer cell killing and tumor suppression through multi-modal synergistic therapy. The successful construction of this NIR light-triggered targeted photothermal multifunctional nanoplatform will provide a promising strategy for the design and development of synergistic chemo-photothermal combination therapy and improve the therapeutic efficacy of cancer treatment.

Progress on Carbon Dots with Intrinsic Bioactivities for Multimodal Theranostics

Carbon dots (CDs) with intrinsic bioactivities are candidates for bioimaging and disease therapy due to their diverse bioactivities, high biocompatibility, and multiple functionalities in multimodal theranostics. It is a multidisciplinary research hotspot that includes biology, physics, materials science, and chemistry. This progress report discusses the CDs with intrinsic bioactivities and their applications in multimodal theranostics. The relationship between the synthesis and structure of CDs is summarized and analyzed from a material and chemical perspective. The bioactivities of CDs including anti-tumor, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory etc. are discussed from biological points of view. Subsequently, the optical and electronic properties of CDs that can be applied in the biomedical field are summarized from a physical perspective. Based on the functional review of CDs, their applications in the biomedical field are reviewed, including optical diagnosis and treatment, biological activity, etc. Unlike previous reviews, this review combines multiple disciplines to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms, functions, and applications of CDs with intrinsic bioactivities.

Catalytic Biomaterials-Activated In Situ Chemical Reactions: Strategic Modulation and Enhanced Disease Treatment

Chemical reactions underpin biological processes, and imbalances in critical biochemical pathways within organisms can lead to the onset of severe diseases. Within this context, the emerging field of "Nanocatalytic Medicine" leverages nanomaterials as catalysts to modulate fundamental chemical reactions specific to the microenvironments of diseases. This approach is designed to facilitate the targeted synthesis and localized accumulation of therapeutic agents, thus enhancing treatment efficacy and precision while simultaneously reducing systemic side effects. The effectiveness of these nanocatalytic strategies critically hinges on a profound understanding of chemical kinetics and the intricate interplay of reactions within particular pathological microenvironments to ensure targeted and effective catalytic actions. This review methodically explores in situ catalytic reactions and their associated biomaterials, emphasizing regulatory strategies that control therapeutic responses. Furthermore, the discussion encapsulates the crucial elements-reactants, catalysts, and reaction conditions/environments-necessary for optimizing the thermodynamics and kinetics of these reactions, while rigorously addressing both the biochemical and biophysical dimensions of the disease microenvironments to enhance therapeutic outcomes. It seeks to clarify the mechanisms underpinning catalytic biomaterials and evaluate their potential to revolutionize treatment strategies across various pathological conditions.

Carboxyl-functionalized multifunctional red-emitting carbon quantum dots as an ideal biomaterial

Carbon quantum dots (CQDs) have been developed into a popular nanomaterial due to their abundant surface state, good biocompatibility, and excellent antimicrobial properties. However, CQDs with multiple functions, such as being red-emitting, having good antibacterial activity, and having excellent pH sensitivity, have rarely been reported. In this work, red-emitting CQDs (R-CQDs) with excellent optical properties and antimicrobial activity were prepared by a simple green hydrothermal method. In antimicrobial applications, the R-CQDs featured good antibacterial activity due to the generation of reactive oxygen species, indicating excellent photodynamic antimicrobial ability. In addition, the R-CQDs showed fine pH sensitivity, giving them potential as pH sensors to monitor the pH of wounds in real time. The promising potential application of R-CQDs for cell imaging was also demonstrated. In summary, we offer R-CQDs with good antibacterial and pH sensitivity as a potential nanomaterial for pH and antimicrobial monitoring of wounds, shedding light on the biomedical field.

Degradable and Piezoelectric Hollow ZnO Heterostructures for Sonodynamic Therapy and Pro-Death Autophagy

Piezoelectric materials can generate charges and reactive oxygen species (ROS) under external force stimulation for ultrasound-induced sonodynamic therapy (SDT). However, their poor piezoelectricity, fast electron-hole pair recombination rate, and biological toxicity of piezoelectric materials limit the therapeutic effects of piezoelectric SDT. In this study, hollow ZnO (HZnO) nanospheres were synthesized by using a one-step method. The hollow structure facilitated the deformation of HZnO under stimulation by ultrasound mechanical force and increased the piezoelectric constant. Subsequently, black phosphorus quantum dots (BPQDs) and arginine-glycine-aspartic acid peptide (RGD)-poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) were combined with HZnO to further enhance the piezoelectric effect by constructing heterojunctions and enable tumor-targeting ability. During treatment, HZnO-BPQDs-PEG could degrade in an acidic tumor microenvironment and release Zn2+ and PO43- ions to induce pro-death autophagy. The ROS produced by SDT also accelerated autophagy and promoted ferroptosis in cancer cells. This study demonstrates that HZnO-BPQDs-PEG has a strong piezoelectric SDT effect and can effectively induce autophagy in cancer cells, providing a new idea for the design and application of piezoelectric materials for tumor therapy.

FDA-Approved Hydrogel-Mediated In Situ Sonodynamic and Chemotherapeutic Therapy for Pancreatic Cancer

Background: Albumin-bound paclitaxel (nab-PTX) nanoparticles have been proven effective in treating advanced pancreatic cancer. However, the clinical application of nab-PTX nanoparticles is often associated with suboptimal outcomes and severe side effects due to its non-specific distribution and rapid clearance. This study aims to develop a novel nanoplatform that integrates sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and chemotherapy to enhance treatment efficacy and reduce systemic side effects. Methods: Bovine serum albumin (BSA) was conjugated with chlorin e6 and paclitaxel (PTX) to form stable nanoparticles (NPs). These NPs were then incorporated into a biodegradable poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid)-b-polyethylene glycol-b-poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) hydrogel for targeted drug delivery. The system's stability and drug release profile were analyzed, followed by in vitro studies to evaluate cellular uptake and cancer cell killing efficacy. In vivo evaluation was performed using pancreatic cancer xenograft models, with intratumoral injection of the drug-loaded hydrogel. Results: The developed hydrogel system demonstrated enhanced stability and sustained release of PTX. In vitro analyses revealed significant cellular uptake and synergistic cancer cell killing effects through combined SDT and chemotherapy. In vivo studies showed prolonged intratumoral retention of the drug and remarkable inhibition of tumor growth. Conclusions: This novel nanoplatform offers a promising approach for improving pancreatic cancer treatment by enhancing intratumoral drug retention and minimizing systemic side effects. The synergistic effects of SDT and chemotherapy demonstrate the potential of this strategy in achieving better therapeutic outcomes.

Near-Infrared Carbon Dots With Antibacterial and Osteogenic Activities for Sonodynamic Therapy of Infected Bone Defects

Repairing infected bone defects is hindered by the presence of stubborn bacterial infections and inadequate osteogenic activity. The incorporation of harmful antibiotics not only fosters the emergence of multidrug-resistant bacteria, but also diminishes the osteogenic properties of scaffold materials. In addition, it is essential to continuously monitor the degradation kinetics of scaffold materials at bone defect sites, yet the majority of bone repair materials lack imaging capability. To address these issues, this study reports for the first time the development of a single nanomaterial with triple functionality: efficient sonodynamic antibacterial activity, accelerated bone defect repair capability, and NIR imaging ability for visualized therapy of infected bone defects. Through rationally regulating the surface functional groups, the obtained multifunctional NIR carbon dots (NIR-CD) exhibit p-n junction-enhanced sonodynamic activity, narrow bandgap-facilitated NIR imaging capability, and negative charge-augmented osteogenic activity. The validation of NIR-CDs antibacterial and osteogenic activities in vivo is conducted by constructing 3D injectable hydrogels encapsulated by NIR-CDs (NIR-CD/GelMA). The implantation of multifunctional NIR-CD/GelMA hydrogel scaffolds in a model of MRSA-infected craniotomy defects results in almost complete restoration of the infected bone defects after 60 days. These findings will provide traceable, renewable, repairable and antibacterial candidate biomaterials for bone tissue engineering.

NIR-II Fluorescent Nanotheranostics with a Switchable Irradiation Mode for Immunogenic Sonodynamic Therapy

Nanotheranostics, which integrate diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities, offer significant potential for tumor treatment. However, current nanotheranostic systems typically involve multiple molecules, each providing a singular diagnostic or therapeutic function, leading to challenges such as complex structural composition, poor targeting efficiency, lack of spatiotemporal control, and dependence on a single therapeutic modality. This study introduces NPRBOXA, a nanoparticle functionalized with surface-bound cRGD for targeted delivery to αvβ3/αvβ5 receptors on tumor cells, achieving theranostic integration by sequentially switching its irradiation modes. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, NPRBOXA emits NIR-II fluorescence, which aids in identifying the nanoparticle's location and fluorescence intensity, thereby determining the optimal treatment window. Following this, the irradiation mode switches to ultrasound irradiation at the optimal treatment window. Ultrasound irradiation induces NPRBOXA to generate reactive oxygen species, promoting the reduction of OXA-IV to OXA-II, which in turn triggers immunogenic cell death. This mechanism enables a combination of sonodynamic therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy for tumor treatment. The versatile design of NPRBOXA holds promise for advancing precision oncology through enhanced therapeutic efficacy and real-time imaging guidance.

pH-Responsive injectable self-healing hydrogels loading Au nanoparticles-decorated bimetallic organic frameworks for synergistic sonodynamic-chemodynamic-starvation-chemo therapy of cancer

A novel and efficient cancer therapy was developed using a smart hydrogel containing multifunctional bimetallic organic frameworks and anticancer drugs. The injectable self-healing hydrogel with pH-responsiveness was constructed through borate ester and imine bonds among dopamine-grafted sodium alginate (SADA), hydroxypropyl chitosan (HPCS) and 2-formylphenylboronic acid (2-FPBA). The Au nanoparticles-decorated Ti/Fe bimetallic organic framework tetragonal nanosheets (Au/TF-MOF TNS) were synthesized and incorporated into the hydrogel with the anticancer drugs doxorubicin (DOX). Upon intratumoral injection of nanocomposite hydrogel, the acidic tumor microenvironment triggered the cleavage of borate ester and imine bonds, causing the hydrogel to break down and accelerating the release of both Au/TF-MOF TNS and DOX. These Au/TF-MOF TNS functioned as nanozymes, producing hydroxyl radicals (·OH) for chemodynamic therapy (CDT), generating oxygen (O2) to support sonodynamic therapy (SDT), and depleting glucose for starvation therapy (ST). Additionally, the Au/TF-MOF TNS served as sonosensitizers, capable of converting O2 into singlet oxygen (1O2) upon ultrasound irradiation to achieve SDT. Therefore, this nanocomposite hydrogel system enabled synergistic sonodynamic-chemodynamic-starvation-chemo therapy (SDT-CDT-ST-CT) of cancer, presenting a promising platform for advanced cancer therapy strategies.

Advance of Near-Infrared Emissive Carbon Dots in Diagnosis and Therapy: Synthesis, Luminescence, and Application

Carbon dots (CDs) with good optical properties, biocompatibility, easy functionalization, and small size have attracted more and more attention and laid a good foundation for their applications in the biomedicine field. CDs emitted in near-infrared regions (NIR-CDs) can achieve high penetration depth imaging and produce high cytotoxic substance for disease treatment. Therefore, NIR-CDs are promising materials to realize high-quality imaging-guided diagnostic and therapeutic integration. This review first introduces the current mainstream synthesis methods of NIR-CDs by "top-down" and "bottom-up". Second, the luminescence modes of NIR-CDs are introduced, and the luminescence mechanisms based on carbon core state, surface state, molecular state, and crosslinking enhanced emission are summarized. Third, the applications and principles of NIR-CDs in imaging, drug delivery, and non-invasive therapeutics are introduced from a view of diagnosis and therapy. Finally, their prospects and challenges in biomedical and biotechnological applications are outlined.