NIR-Actuated Remote Activation of Ferroptosis in Target Tumor Cells through a Photothermally Responsive Iron-Chelated Biopolymer Nanoplatform

Ferroptosis is a new form of regulated cell death that shows promise for tumor treatment. Most current ferroptosis tumor therapies are based on the intrinsic pathological features of the malignancies, and it would be of clinical significance to develop ferroptosis-inducing strategies with improved tumor specificity and modulability. Here we report a polydopamine-based nanoplatform (Fe(II)PDA@LAP-PEG-cRGD) for the efficient loading of Fe2+ and beta-lapachone (LAP), which could readily initiate ferroptosis in tumor cells upon treatment with near-infrared light. PDA nanostructures could generate mild hyperthermia under NIR irritation and trigger the release of the ferroptosis-inducing Fe2+ ions. The NIR-actuated photothermal effect would also activate cellular heat shock response and upregulate the downstream NQO1 via HSP70/NQO1 axis to facilitate bioreduction of the concurrently released beta-lapachone and enhance intracellular H2O2 formation to promote the Fe2+-mediated lipid peroxidation.

Automated summary

A polydopamine-based nanoplatform was developed for efficient loading of Fe2+ and beta-lapachone, which could trigger ferroptosis in tumor cells under near-infrared light. The platform could generate mild hyperthermia under NIR irritation, activate cellular heat shock response, and enhance intracellular H2O2 formation, promoting Fe2+-mediated lipid peroxidation and beta-lapachone release.