Ti3C2Tx MXene quantum dots coated hollow manganese dioxide nanoparticles for tumor combination therapy and magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) is a new cancer treatment that uses low-valence transition metal ions to catalyze intracellular Fenton/Fenton-like reactions, producing hydroxyl radicals (•OH) to eliminate cancer cells. However, achieving satisfactory therapeutic outcomes with CDT alone can be challenging. In this work, we reported an anticancer drug delivery DOX@HMDN-TQDs@PEI-PEG (DMTP) based on hollow mesoporous manganese dioxide nanoparticle (HMDN), which has the potential to improve cancer therapy by combining synergistic therapeutic and tumor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) capability. After loading the anticancer drug doxorubicin hydrochloride (DOX), the pores of HMDN were sealed with polyethyleneimine (PEI) modified Ti3C2Tx MXene quantum dots (TQDs) and finally modified with polyethylene glycol (PEG) to obtain the final system. HMDN depletes glutathione (GSH), which is harmful to CDT, in cancer cells, and generates Mn2+ that can be used for both CDT and MRI. TQDs can also be used for highly effective photothermal therapy (PTT) that enhances CDT. The combination of DOX with chemotherapy can significantly inhibit tumor growth. In addition, DMTP combines the capability of tumor MRI as Mn2+ is also a T1-weighted contrast agent. This multifunctional delivery system provides new ideas for research related to tumor diagnosis and treatment.