Synthesis of magnesium nanoparticle for NIR-II-photoacoustic-imaging-guided synergistic burst-like and H2 cancer therapy

Metallic magnesium is a promising platform for H-2 cancer therapy, whereas the available Mg particles & rsquo; undesirable diameter and shape greatly hinder its therapeutic application. Herein, we first reported the diameter-and shape-controlled synthesis of Mg nanoparticles, including hexagonal nanosheet (similar to 80 & ndash;320 nm), nanoflower (similar to 100 & ndash; 250 nm), and small nanoparticle (mean 65 nm), by a one-pot method. As a proof of concept, pH-sensitive polymer-coated Mg nanoflowers were prepared and applied in NIR (near infrared)-II photoacoustic and bubble-enhanced ultrasound imaging and cancer therapy. It continuously generated H-2 in the tumor because the acidic tumor environment triggered the disassembly of the polymeric shell, leading to the reaction of Mg and water. The generated H-2 bubbles not only induced transient cavitation and mechanically ruptured lysosomes but also disturbed the cellular energy metabolism and induced high oxidative stress simultaneously, leading to cancer-cell death. Thus, this drug-free therapy method presented superior synergistic tumor inhibition effects.

Automated summary

In this study, diameter- and shape-controlled magnesium nanoparticles were synthesized and applied in near infrared-II photoacoustic and bubble-enhanced ultrasound imaging and cancer therapy. These nanoparticles continuously generated H-2 in the tumor to induce cancer cell death, exhibiting superior synergistic tumor inhibition effects.