Universal nanosonosensitizer for ROS-mediated reduction of various cancer cells

Abstract

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has attracted great attention due to its deep tissue penetration, uniform tissue energy distribution, and noninvasiveness features. Additionally, external triggers can precisely focus on the tumor site with good specificity and high controllability. In the past decade, numerous sonosensitizers have been designed and used for SDT. However, the research and development of universal sonosensitizers for many different types of tumors are equally important in clinical treatment. Herein, we synthesized and studied the universality of four MWO₄-PEG nanoparticles (NPs). All of the four MWO₄-PEG NPs exhibited highly efficient ultrasound (US)-triggered production of ¹O₂ and ˙OH, enabling effective decreased cell viability, increased cell apoptosis rate, and a destruction of mouse tumors under US stimulation. The US-triggered NPs indicated good sonosensitivity and low toxicity to nine kinds of cancer cells. After accomplishing its therapeutic functions, NiWO₄-PEG could be metabolized by the mouse body without any long-term toxicity. The PEGylated MWO₄-PEG NPs shown in this study would provide efficient and universal US-triggered cancer therapy with the advantages of a cost-effective, convenient, and noninvasive agent that is promising for noninvasive SDT cancer treatment.