Copper–manganese hybrid nanogel for MRI-guided combined photothermal and chemodynamic tumor theranostics

Abstract

Bridging tumor diagnosis and therapy remains a major challenge, largely due to the clinical separation of imaging and treatment, compounded by the low relaxivity of conventional MRI contrast agents. To address these limitations, we developed a copper–manganese hybrid nanogel (CMNG) via the in situ incorporation of Mn2+ ions and CuS nanoparticles within a cross-linked polymeric network. This multifunctional design enables T1-weighted MRI-guided photothermal–chemodynamic therapy. The nanogel matrix significantly enhances the relaxivity of paramagnetic Mn2+ ions (r1 = 10.81 mM−1 s−1), surpassing that of clinically approved Gd-based agents. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, CMNG exhibits efficient photothermal conversion (η = 23.29%), which synergistically enhances Cu+/Mn2+-mediated Fenton-like reactions, resulting in elevated hydroxyl radical (˙OH) production for effective tumor ablation and inhibition of tumor progression. This work presents a rational materials design strategy for integrated theranostic platforms. By combining MRI-guided tracking with potent therapeutic efficacy, the CMNG system offers a promising paradigm for precision cancer theranostics.

Graphical abstract: Copper–manganese hybrid nanogel for MRI-guided combined photothermal and chemodynamic tumor theranostics

Supplementary files

Article information

Article type
Paper
Submitted
30 Jul 2025
Accepted
23 Aug 2025
First published
27 Aug 2025

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article

Copper–manganese hybrid nanogel for MRI-guided combined photothermal and chemodynamic tumor theranostics

Y. Luo, X. Liang, K. Wang, T. Li, J. Hua, D. Wu and Z. Cao, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, Advance Article , DOI: 10.1039/D5TB01758K

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