A multifunctional oxidative stress nanoamplifier with ROS amplification and GSH exhaustion for enhanced chemodynamic therapy

Progress of Nanomaterials Based on Manganese Dioxide in the Field of Tumor Diagnosis and Therapy

As a pivotal transition metal oxide, manganese dioxide (MnO2) has garnered significant attention owing to its abundant reserves, diverse crystal structures and exceptional performance. Nanosizing MnO2 results in smaller particle sizes, larger specific surface areas, optimized material characteristics, and expanded application possibilities. With the burgeoning research efforts in this field, MnO2 has emerged as a promising nanomaterial for tumor diagnosis and therapy. The distinctive properties of MnO2 in regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME) have attracted considerable interest, leading to a rapid growth in research on MnO2-based nanomaterials for tumor diagnosis and treatment. Additionally, MnO2 nanomaterials are also gradually showing up in the regulation of chronic inflammatory diseases. In this review, we mainly summarized the recent advancements in various MnO2 nanomaterials for tumor diagnosis and therapy. Furthermore, we discuss the current challenges and future directions in the development of MnO2 nanomaterials, while also envisaging their potential for clinical translation.

GSH and Ferroptosis: Side-by-Side Partners in the Fight against Tumors

Glutathione (GSH), a prominent antioxidant in organisms, exhibits diverse biological functions and is crucial in safeguarding cells against oxidative harm and upholding a stable redox milieu. The metabolism of GSH is implicated in numerous diseases, particularly in the progression of malignant tumors. Consequently, therapeutic strategies targeting the regulation of GSH synthesis and metabolism to modulate GSH levels represent a promising avenue for future research. This study aimed to elucidate the intricate relationship between GSH metabolism and ferroptosis, highlighting how modulation of GSH metabolism can impact cellular susceptibility to ferroptosis and consequently influence the development of tumors and other diseases. The paper provides a comprehensive overview of the physiological functions of GSH, including its structural characteristics, physicochemical properties, sources, and metabolic pathways, as well as investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying GSH regulation of ferroptosis and potential therapeutic interventions. Unraveling the biological role of GSH holds promise for individuals afflicted with tumors.

The combined plasma membrane coating and cluster bombing strategy for improved tumor-targeting gene delivery of silicon nanoclusters

With the promising biosafety and favorable cell imaging efficiency, silicon quantum dots (SiQDs) was broadly exploited as non-viral gene carriers in recent years. However, the low transfection efficiency and weak targeting ability hindered its further clinical applications. In this study, the combined plasma membrane coating and cluster bombing strategy was adopted to enhance the gene delivery potential of silicon quantum dots nanoclusters (SiNC). Initially, SiNC was generated via 3, 3'-Dithiodipropionic acid (DipA) crosslinking of SiQDs, then the obtained nanoclusters were coated by distinct plasma membrane. Interestingly, cell membrane coated SiNC (CM-SiNC) underwent particle size change, the typical character of "cluster bombing", when exposed to high GSH concentration, which was observed in the tumor microenvironment. Meanwhile, CM-SiNC can be efficiently uptaken by HEK 293T and HeLa cells, therefore transferring DNA into those cells. More importantly, among the particles coated by HeLa (HeLa-M), Red Blood (RBC-M) or RAW267.4 (RAW-M) cell membrane, HeLa cell membrane coating exhibited better cellular uptake and transfection efficiency in HeLa cells, which suggested the encouraging tumor targeting ability. In sum, these data suggested that cluster bombing of SiNC could be beneficial for physical stability and biodistribution, the additional plasma membrane coating further endowed SiNC the efficient gene delivery and tumor targeting ability. Therefore, CM-SiNC had the potential as a gene delivery vector and its application should be further addressed in vivo.