Work

Modulating dual carrier-transfer channels and band structure in carbon nitride to amplify ROS storm for enhanced cancer photodynamic therapy

Year: 2024

Type: article

Abstract: Graphite carbon nitride (CN) eliminates cancer cells by converting H 2 O 2 to highly toxic •OH under visible light. However, its in vivo applications are constrained by insufficient endogenous H 2 O 2 , accumulation of OH − and finite photocarriers. We designed Fe/N V -CN, co-modified CN with nitrogen vacancies (N V ) and ferric ions (Fe 3+ ). N V and Fe 3+ , not only adjust the band structure of CN through quantum confinement effect and the altered coupled oscillations of atomic orbitals to facilitates •OH production by oxidizing OH − , but also construct dual carrier-transfer channels for electrons and holes to respective active sites by introducing stepped electrostatic potential and shortening three-electron bonds, thereby involving more carriers in •OH production. Fe/N V -CN, the novel reactor, effectually produces vast •OH under illumination by expanding OH − as the raw material of •OH and augmenting carriers at active sites, which induces cancer cell apoptosis by disrupting mitochondrial function for significant shrinkage of Cal27 cell-induced tumor under illumination. This work provides not only an effective photosensitizer avoiding the accumulation of OH − for cancer therapy but also a novel strategy by constructing dual carrier-transfer channels on semiconductor photosensitizers for improving the therapeutic effect of photodynamic therapy. • N V reduces the size of CN nanosheets and promotes Fe 3+ to rivet on CN. • N V and Fe 3+ , adjust the band structure of CN to allow h + to oxidize OH - to •OH, solving H 2 O 2 insufficiency and OH - accumulation during cancer photodynamic therapy. • N V and Fe 3+ , construct dual carrier-transfer channels on CN, guiding carriers to active sites to produce vast •OH.

Source: Materials Today Bio

DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2024.101287