One-pot synthesis of AuPd@FexOy nanoagent with the activable Fe species for enhanced Chemodynamic-photothermal synergetic therapy

Facile fabrication of Fe-based nanotheranostic agents with the enhanced Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) effect and multiple functions is important for oncotherapy. In this report, noble-metal@FexOy core-shell nanoparticles (Au@FexOy NPs, AuRu@FexOy NPs, AuPt@FexOy NPs and AuPd@FexOy NPs) are one-pot constructed by a simply redox self-assembly strategy. As a typical example, AuPd@FexOy NPs are applied for oncotherapy. Compared to their crystalline counterparts (e.g., AuPd@c-Fe2O3 nanocrystals (NCs)), AuPd@FexOy NPs with the metastable FexOy shell can be activated by a small amount of NaBH4 to obviously enhance the production of center dot OH in subsequent Fenton reaction (these activated products are termed as r-AuPd@FexOy NPs). In addition, a favorable photothermal effect (63.5% photothermal conversion efficiency) of r-AuPd@FexOy NPs can further promote the center dot OH generation. Moreover, r-AuPd@FexOy NPs also show a pH-responsive T1-weighted MRI contrast property, CT imaging capacity and the function of regulating tumor microenvironment. This work presents an attractive route to prepare versatile nanotheranostic agents.

Automated summary

The study demonstrates that facile fabrication of Fe-based nanotheranostic agents with enhanced Chemodynamic therapy effects and multiple functions is achievable using a simple redox self-assembly strategy. The core-shell nanoparticles exhibited enhanced production of center dot OH in Fenton reaction when activated, along with a favorable photothermal effect and pH-responsive properties. This work provides an attractive route to prepare versatile nanotheranostic agents for oncotherapy.