CaO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposites for oxygen-independent generation of radicals and cancer therapy

The hypoxic tumor environment prevents the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing the therapeutic efficiency. We construct oleylamine (OA) coated CaO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposites to realize oxygenindependent generation of ROS and high efficient treatment of cancer. In the tumor site, CaO2 reacts with water to generate H2O2, which can be catalized by Fe2+ that is produced by Fe3O4, to form highly toxic hydroxyl radicals (center dot OH). To inhibit the premature reaction, CaO2/Fe3O4 nanoparticles were coated with pH sensitive OA. The nanocomposites exhibited remarkable tumor growth inhibition ability and favorable biocompatibility, holding a great potential for hypoxic tumor therapy.

Automated summary

The construction of oleylamine coated CaO2/Fe3O4 nanocomposites enables oxygen-independent generation of ROS for efficient cancer treatment in hypoxic tumor environment. The nanoparticles exhibit remarkable tumor growth inhibition ability and favorable biocompatibility at the tumor site.