Gold nanoparticles decorated on MOF derived CuZn 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 CuZn/HPCNC through a carbonization process and decorated them with gold nanoparticles (Au@CuZn/HPCNC). The resulting nanoparticles were employed as a photothermal agent and Fenton catalyst. The Fenton reaction facilitated the conversation of Cu to Cu through reaction with local HO generating reactive hydroxyl radicals (·OH) with potent cytotoxic effects. To enhance the Fenton-like reaction and achieve combined therapy, laser irradiation of the Au@CuZn/HPCNC induced efficient photothermal therapy by generating localized heat. With a significantly increased absorption of Au@CuZn/HPCNC at 808 nm, the photothermal efficiency was determined to be 57.45 %. Additionally, Au@CuZn/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.