Intelligent nanoreactor coupling tumor microenvironment manipulation and H₂O₂-dependent photothermal-chemodynamic therapy for accurate treatment of primary and metastatic tumors

Tumor microenvironment (TME), as the “soil” of tumor growth and metastasis, exhibits significant differences from normal physiological conditions. However, how to manipulate the distinctions to achieve the accurate therapy of primary and metastatic tumors is still a challenge. Herein, an innovative nanoreactor (AH@MBTF) is developed to utilize the apparent differences (copper concentration and H₂O₂ level) between tumor cells and normal cells to eliminate primary tumor based on H₂O₂-dependent photothermal-chemodynamic therapy and suppress metastatic tumor through copper complexation. This nanoreactor is constructed using functionalized MSN incorporating benzoyl thiourea (BTU), triphenylphosphine (TPP), and folic acid (FA), while being co-loaded with horseradish peroxidase (HRP) and its substrate ABTS. During therapy, the BTU moieties on AH@MBTF could capture excessive copper (highly correlated with tumor metastasis), presenting exceptional anti-metastasis activity. Simultaneously, the complexation between BTU and copper triggers the formation of cuprous ions, which further react with H₂O₂ to generate cytotoxic hydroxyl radical (•OH), inhibiting tumor growth via chemodynamic therapy. Additionally, the stepwise targeting of FA and TPP guides AH@MBTF to accurately accumulate in tumor mitochondria, containing abnormally high levels of H₂O₂. As a catalyst, HRP mediates the oxidation reaction between ABTS and H₂O₂ to yield activated ABTS•⁺. Upon 808 nm laser irradiation, the activated ABTS•⁺ performs tumor-specific photothermal therapy, achieving the ablation of primary tumor by raising the tissue temperature. Collectively, this intelligent nanoreactor possesses profound potential in inhibiting tumor progression and metastasis.