A Glutathione-Consuming Bimetallic Nano-Bomb with the Combination of Photothermal and Chemodynamic Therapy for Tumors: An in vivo and in vitro Study

Background Chemodynamic therapy (CDT) faces challenges of low catalytic ion efficiency and ROS production. We developed a ROS nano-bomb, Cu/ZIF-8@GA-Fe, to address these issues.Methods The nano-bomb was synthesized by doping copper into ZIF-8 and assembling Fe3+ and gallic acid (GA). It was tested for reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in acidic conditions and its photothermal properties.Results In an acidic micro environment, Cu/ZIF-8@GA-Fe effectively released Fe3+ and Cu2+, depleting GSH and generating ROS. The GA-Fe coating provided photothermal heat and was used to enhance Fenton reactions via dual ions for increasing ROS production. In vivo and in vitro experiments, Cu/ZIF-8@GA-Fe inhibited tumor growth with minimal side effects.Conclusion Cu/ZIF-8@GA-Fe shows promise for safe and effective CDT, offering a synergistic approach to tumor therapy.