Core-Shell-Satellite Nanomaces as Remotely Controlled Self-Fueling Fenton Reagents for Imaging-Guided Triple-Negative Breast Cancer-Specific Therapy

Abstract

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly aggressive and insensitive to conventional targeted therapies, resulting in poor therapeutic outcomes. Recent studies have shown that abnormal iron metabolism is observed in TNBC, suggesting an opportunity for TNBC treatment via the iron-dependent Fenton reaction. Nevertheless, the efficiency of current Fenton reagents is largely restricted by the lack of specificity and low intracellular H₂ O₂ level of cancer cells. Herein, core-shell-satellite nanomaces (Au @ MSN@IONP) are fabricated, as near-infrared (NIR) light-triggered self-fueling Fenton reagents for the amplified Fenton reaction inside TNBC cells. Specifically, the Au nanorod core can convert NIR light energy into heat to induce massive production of intracellular H₂ O₂ , thereby the surface-decorated iron oxide nanoparticles (IONP) are being fueled for robust Fenton reaction. By exploiting the vulnerability of iron efflux in TNBC cells, such a self-fueling Fenton reaction leads to highly specific anti-TNBC efficacy with minimal cytotoxicity to normal cells. The PI3K/Akt/FoxO axis, intimately involved in the redox regulation and survival of TNBC, is demonstrated to be inhibited after the treatment. Consequently, precise in vivo orthotopic TNBC ablation is achieved under the guidance of IONP-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging. The results demonstrate the proof-of-concept of NIR-light-triggered self-fueling Fenton reagents against TNBC with low ferroportin levels.

Keywords: Fenton reaction; ferroportin expression; multifunctional nanomace; phototherapy; triple-negative breast cancer.