Gold/Prussian Blue-Based Nanocomposites with Dual Nanozyme Activities Exert a Synergistic Effect of Starvation Therapy and Sonodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Liver Cancer.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to develop a composite nanozyme system (Au/PB-Ce6-HA) based on gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and Prussian blue nanoparticles (PBNPs) to combat tumor hypoxia and insufficient endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) deficiency, thus enhancing the efficacy of sonodynamic therapy (SDT) and starvation therapy for liver cancer.

METHODS

The Au/PB-Ce6-HA system was constructed by in situ embedding AuNPs on PBNPs, loading the sonosensitizer Chlorin e6 (Ce6), and surface-coating with thiolated hyaluronic acid (HA-SH). The system was evaluated both in vitro and in vivo to assess its ability to catalyze glucose to generate H2O2, decompose H2O2 to produce oxygen, and generate highly toxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) under ultrasound irradiation.

RESULTS

The Au/PB-Ce6-HA nanozymes demonstrated high catalytic activity, thus significantly improving SDT and starvation therapy. Specifically, the system effectively deprived tumors of their energy supply by generating H2O2, while simultaneously producing oxygen to enhance cytotoxic ROS generation under ultrasound irradiation. Both in vivo and in vitro studies further demonstrated a synergistic effect in inhibiting tumor growth while enhancing therapeutic efficacy.

CONCLUSION

An intelligent composite nanomaterial was successfully developed, combining starvation therapy and sonodynamic therapy to significantly enhance the treatment of liver cancer. The Au/PB-Ce6-HA nanozyme system demonstrated excellent synergy in both in vitro and in vivo settings, offering a promising strategy for cancer therapy.