Biocompatible 2D Cu-TCPP Nanosheets Derived from Cu2O Nanocubes as Multifunctional Nanoplatforms for Combined Anticancer Therapy

Two-dimensional (2D) metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) could serve as multifunctional nanoplatforms to load small-molecule drugs and enzyme-mimicking nanoparticles (NPs) with a high efficiency for combined cancer therapy. Herein, we have prepared novel 2D Cu-tetrakis (4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) nanosheets with an average thickness of 1.2 +/- 0.1 nm using Cu2O nanocubes (50 nm) as a template and solid copper ion supplier. Cu2O nanocubes can be consumed and hybridized with the obtained Cu-TCPP, depending on the molar ratio of Cu2O and TCPP linker. The resultant Cu2O/Cu-TCPP could serve as nanoplatforms for co loading of Pt and Au NPs to construct multifunctional Cu2O/Cu-TCPP/(Pt-Au) nanomedicines, which showed a superior anticancer effect via multiple therapeutic modes. For instance, Cu(II)-TCPP can produce O-1(2) in the presence of acidic H2O2 by the Russell mechanism and the intrinsic Cu(I) ions (derived from the residual Cu2O) could mediate a Fenton-like reaction in tumorous tissues to generate toxic hydroxyl radicals (center dot OH). Moreover, the loaded Pt NPs with catalase (CAT)-mimic activity could decompose hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into O-2 within the tumor cells, increasing the local O-2 concentration, modulating the tumorous hypoxia atmosphere, and promoting the O-2-dependent glucose oxidation reaction. Furthermore, Au NPs with glucose oxidase (GOx)-mimic activity could accelerate the consumption of glucose and cut nutrient supply to induce starvation therapy. Consequently, our designed 2D MOF-based therapeutic nanomedicines would be a promising candidate for future smart and combined cancer therapy.

Automated summary

In this study, 2D Cu-tetrakis(4-carboxyphenyl) porphyrin (TCPP) nanosheets were prepared and used as a nanoplatform for loading Pt and Au nanoparticles (NPs), resulting in multifunctional Cu2O/Cu-TCPP/(Pt-Au) nanomedicines. These nanomedicines showed superior anticancer effects through multiple therapeutic modes, including the production of reactive oxygen species and modulation of the tumor hypoxia environment.