A DNA functionalized metal–organic framework combined with magnesium peroxide nanoparticles: targeted and enhanced photodynamic therapy

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has become a promising therapeutic approach in clinical practices. How to improve the efficiency of PDT is still a research hotspot due to tumor hypoxia and insufficient aggregation of photosensitizers (PSs) at the tumor site. Here, we report an aptamer functionalized metal–organic framework combined with magnesium peroxide nanoparticles (Hf-MOF-MgO₂/DNA) to target and enhance PDT. Hf-MOF-MgO₂/DNA could produce oxygen in sufficient quantities, solving the hypoxia problem and enhancing PDT. The aptamer simultaneously and specifically targets tumor cells, performing targeted therapy. After PDT treatment in vitro, the Hf-MOF-MgO₂/DNA platform functionalized by the aptamer of 4T1 cells specifically targeted the cell and achieved a survival rate of 15.15% for the 4T1 cell, while the survival rate for the A549 cell was 28.69% under the same conditions. This work highlights a rational design for efficient reactive oxygen generation in situ and effective PS accumulation in tumors, opening new horizons for the development of theranostic nanomedicines.