Silicon nanowires decorated with platinum nanoparticles were applied for photothermal-enhanced sonodynamic therapy

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) triggered by ultrasound (US) can overcome pivotal limitations of photo-therapy owing to its high depth-penetration and low phototoxicity. However, there is still a need to develop more efficient sonosensitizes to enhance the therapy efficiency. Methods: In this study, Pt nanoparticles (Pt NPs) are reduced on silicon nanowires (SiNWs) by in situ reduction to prepare Si-Pt nanocomposites (Si-Pt NCs). Results: Si-Pt NCs can produce reactive oxygen radicals (ROS) under ultrasound (US) irradiation, which have sonodynamic therapy (SDT) effect. Meanwhile, Si-Pt NCs can convert excess hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into ROS in the tumor microenvironment, which endow strong chemodynamic therapy (CDT) effect. Taking the advantages of the mesoporous structure of SiNWs, the SDT and CDT effects of Si-Pt NCs are stronger than those of the pure Pt NPs and SiNWs. Besides, the mild photothermal effect of Si-Pt NCs further improves the SDT&CDT activity and realizes the combined cancer therapy. Conclusion: The developed Si-Pt NCs with the ability of photothermal enhanced SDT/CDT combined therapy play a momentous role in the novel cancer treatment.

Automated summary

The developed Si-Pt NCs exhibit strong sonodynamic therapy and chemodynamic therapy effects, with a higher therapeutic efficacy. Taking advantage of the mesoporous structure, the mild photothermal effect further enhances the combined cancer therapy of SDT and CDT provided by Si-Pt NCs.