One-pot synthesis of AuPd@Fe_xO_y nanoagent with the activable Fe species for enhanced Chemodynamic-photothermal synergetic therapy.

Abstract

Facile fabrication of Fe-based nanotheranostic agents with the enhanced Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) effect and multiple functions is important for oncotherapy. In this report, noble-metal@Fe_xO_y core-shell nanoparticles (Au@Fe_xO_y NPs, AuRu@Fe_xO_y NPs, AuPt@Fe_xO_y NPs and AuPd@Fe_xO_y NPs) are one-pot constructed by a simply redox self-assembly strategy. As a typical example, AuPd@Fe_xO_y NPs are applied for oncotherapy. Compared to their crystalline counterparts (e.g., AuPd@c-Fe₂O₃ nanocrystals (NCs)), AuPd@Fe_xO_y NPs with the metastable Fe_xO_y shell can be activated by a small amount of NaBH₄ to obviously enhance the production of ·OH in subsequent Fenton reaction (these activated products are termed as r-AuPd@Fe_xO_y NPs). In addition, a favorable photothermal effect (63.5% photothermal conversion efficiency) of r-AuPd@Fe_xO_y NPs can further promote the ·OH generation. Moreover, r-AuPd@Fe_xO_y NPs also show a pH-responsive T₁-weighted MRI contrast property, CT imaging capacity and the function of regulating tumor microenvironment. This work presents an attractive route to prepare versatile nanotheranostic agents.