Self ‐Destruction of Cancer Induced by Ag2S Amorphous Nanodots

Ag2S amorphous nanodots (ANDs) can specifically induce self ‐destruction of cancer without side effects. Mechanism research indicate that Ag2S ANDs well match with the redox in the tumor microenvironment (TME), to generate Ag+ and SO42 −. Ag+ amplifies reactive oxygen species generation to cause mitochondrial dysfunction. This behavior can be attributed to the higher electrochemical active surface area and lower redox potential. AbstractStudies on distinctive performances and novel applications of amorphous inorganic nanomaterials are becoming attractive. Herein, Ag2S amorphous and crystalline nanodots (ANDs and CNDs) are prepared via facile methods. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that Ag2S ANDs, rather than CNDs, can induce the self ‐destruction of tumors, which can be attributed to their distinctive chemical properties, e.g., the higher electrochemical active surface area and lower redox potential well matching with the redox reaction requirement in the tumor microenvironment. Ag2S ANDs can be oxidized by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) to release Ag+, which further stimulates high generation of intracellular ROS. This mutual stimulation damages the mitochondria, induces apoptosis, and leads to the self ‐destruction of the tumor. Moreover, Ag2S ANDs do not show observable in vitro and in vivo side effects. These findings provide a promising self ‐destructive strategy for cancer therapy by utilizing distinctive chemical properties of inorganic na...

Source: Small - September 17, 2019 Category: Nanotechnology Authors: Ge Wang, Jing Liu, Lin Zhu, Xiaoming Ma, Xiaobing Wang, Xiaoli Yang, Yuming Guo, Lin Yang, Jun Lu Tags: Full Paper Source Type: research