Electroactive membrane fusion-liposome for increased electron transfer to enhance radiodynamic therapy

Abstract

Dynamic therapies have potential in cancer treatments but have limitations in efficiency and penetration depth. Here a membrane-integrated liposome (MIL) is created to coat titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles to enhance electron transfer and increase radical production under low-dose X-ray irradiation. The exoelectrogenic Shewanella oneidensis MR-1 microorganism presents an innate capability for extracellular electron transfer (EET). An EET-mimicking photocatalytic system is created by coating the TiO₂ nanoparticles with the MIL, which significantly enhances superoxide anions generation under low-dose (1 Gy) X-ray activation. The c-type cytochromes-constructed electron channel in the membrane mimics electron transfer to surrounding oxygen. Moreover, the hole transport in the valence band is also observed for water oxidation to produce hydroxyl radicals. The TiO₂@MIL system is demonstrated against orthotopic liver tumours in vivo.