In an innovative stride within the field of cancer therapy, a research group led by Prof. Wang Hui from the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, which is part of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, has introduced a groundbreaking approach.
They have developed a metal-free enzyme based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) that holds great promise for highly efficient tumour hemodynamic therapy (CDT), as reported in their study published in Matter.
Graphene quantum dots, emerging as a safer and more effective alternative to traditional metal-based nanozymes, address significant toxicity concerns in tumour CDT. However, until now, their clinical application has been limited due to their relatively low catalytic activity under challenging conditions. This has been a significant hurdle in leveraging their full potential in cancer treatment.
Addressing this challenge, the team made a significant leap forward. According to Liu Hongji, a prominent research team member, they developed GQDs from red blood cell membranes, which showed high effectiveness in treating tumours with minimal side effects. The non-metallic nature of these GQDs is a crucial advantage, coupled with their exceptional performance as peroxidase-like biocatalysts, setting a new precedent in the field.
The researchers employed a strategic approach further to enhance the catalytic efficiency of these GQD-based nanocatalytic adjuvants. They introduced a combination of nitrogen and phosphorus into the GQDs, creating a synergistic electron effect. This dual doping method resulted in highly localised states near the Fermi level, significantly boosting the enzymatic activity beyond what was achievable with single heteroatom doping.
The GQDs, which are derived from erythrocyte membranes, have shown remarkable peroxidase-mimicking activity in laboratory settings. They have been particularly effective in inducing apoptosis and ferroptosis in cancer cells. This specificity in targeting tumour cells has led to impressive results: a tumour inhibition rate of 77.71% was observed with intravenous injection and an even more significant 93.22% with intratumoral injection, all without any detectable side effects on non-targeted areas.
This development represents a significant step toward seeking safe and effective cancer treatments. The biologically benign nature of these GQDs, combined with their targeted efficacy, underscores their potential as a potent biocatalyst in cancer therapy. This novel approach could pave the way for more effective, safer cancer treatments, potentially transforming the landscape of oncological care.
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Isabella Sterling
Content Producer and Writer
Nano Magazine
