Raspberry-like AgBiS2@PVP nanoparticles for enhanced sonodynamic and chemodynamic cancer therapy

Abstract

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a non-invasive treatment, preferred by many researchers. Ultrasound is applied to tumor lesions, enriched with a sound sensitizer. The activation of the sound sensitizer produces reactive oxygen species (ROS), which kill the tumor cells. In this study, raspberry-like AgBiS₂@PVP nanoparticles (NPs) were prepared, which were modified with polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP). Finally, AgBiS₂@PVP NPs with 261 nm diameter and a suitable band gap were successfully synthesized. These NPs could play a role in SDT by generating ROS when induced by ultrasonic stimulation. Moreover, the AgBiS₂@PVP NPs could also catalyze H₂O₂ in the tumor microenvironment to produce ˙OH, equipping the NPs with chemodynamic therapy (CDT) properties. In vivo and in vitro experiments suggested that, compared to the single treatments, the combination of SDT and CDT had a clearer inhibitory effect on tumor cells.