Gold nanoparticles decorated on MOF derived Cu₅Zn₈ hollow porous carbon nanocubes for magnetic resonance imaging guided tumor microenvironment-mediated synergistic chemodynamic and photothermal therapy

Combining chemodynamic therapy (CDT) with photothermal therapy (PTT) has developed as a promising approach for cancer treatment, as it enhances therapeutic efficiency through redox reactions and external laser induction. In this study, we designed metal organic framework (MOF) -derived Cu₅Zn₈/HPCNC through a carbonization process and decorated them with gold nanoparticles (Au@Cu₅Zn₈/HPCNC). The resulting nanoparticles were employed as a photothermal agent and Fenton catalyst. The Fenton reaction facilitated the conversation of Cu²⁺ to Cu⁺ through reaction with local H₂O₂, generating reactive hydroxyl radicals (·OH) with potent cytotoxic effects. To enhance the Fenton-like reaction and achieve combined therapy, laser irradiation of the Au@Cu₅Zn₈/HPCNC induced efficient photothermal therapy by generating localized heat. With a significantly increased absorption of Au@Cu₅Zn₈/HPCNC at 808 nm, the photothermal efficiency was determined to be 57.45 %. Additionally, Au@Cu₅Zn₈/HPCNC demonstrated potential as a contrast agent for magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cancers. Furthermore, the synergistic combination of PTT and CDT significantly inhibited tumor growth. This integrated approach of PTT and CDT holds great promise for cancer therapy, offering enhanced CDT and modulation of the tumor microenvironment (TME), and opening new avenues in the fight against cancer.