A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal

Mitochondria-Targeted Nanomotor: H2S-Driven Cascade Therapy for Hepatocellular Carcinoma




AuthorsLi, Chengcheng; Ma, Xiaodong; Fang, Shiji; Chen, Biao; Wang, Xinru; He, Lingyun; Yang, Xin; Li, Yuanqiang; Rosenholm, Jessica M.; Zhao, Zhongwei; Ji, Jiansong; Zhang, Hongbo

PublisherWiley

Publication year2025

Journal: Advanced Materials

Article numbere13757

ISSN0935-9648

eISSN1521-4095

DOIhttps://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202513757

Publication's open availability at the time of reportingOpen Access

Publication channel's open availability Partially Open Access publication channel

Web address https://doi.org/10.1002/adma.202513757

Self-archived copy’s web addresshttps://research.utu.fi/converis/portal/detail/Publication/505799839


Abstract

Despite advances in combination therapies for cancer treatment, most strategies rely on modular-additive designs that lack dynamic molecular cues to achieve intrinsic synergy. Herein, a mitochondrial-targeted nanoplatform is introduced that orchestrates photodynamic therapy (PDT), mild photothermal therapy (mPTT), and enzyme dynamic therapy (EDT) into a self-amplifying cascade network through gasotransmitter (H2S)-driven metabolic reprogramming. It is constructed from an Au2Pt core with a surface functionalized mesoporous silica shell loaded with photosensitizers, encapsulated within a tumor cell membrane (Au2Pt@4sMSN/PS-TPP@CM). Upon GSH exposure, nanomotors produce H2S to boost diffusive motion, while TPP targeting directs this motility toward mitochondria, enabling efficient mitochondrial accumulation (internalization of >100 nm nanoparticles). Subsequently, mitochondrial targeted H2S releasing-mediated suppression of oxidative phosphorylation amplifies PDT efficacy; HSP70 downregulation enables mPTT; and hyperactive glycolytic metabolism fuels EDT. Furthermore, these enhanced modalities also interconnect in a positive feedback loop: mPTT-derived hyperthermia accelerates EDT-catalyzed oxygen generation for PDT, while mitochondria-localized PDT further inhibits HSP70 to boost mPTT. Ultimately, these interconnected molecular cues establish an H2S-driven, self-reinforcing therapeutic loop that enables effective eradication of hepatocellular carcinoma. Collectively, this study identifies mitochondria as the biological initiator and signal integrator for multimodal therapy, delivering a distinctive paradigm to overcome the limitations of conventional combination therapies.


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Funding information in the publication
Research Project. Grant Number: 347897
Solution for Health Profile. Grant Number: 336355
InFLAMES Flagship. Grant Number: 337531
Research Council of Finland; Natural Science Foundation of Zhejiang Province. Grant Number: LLSSZ25H180001
Zhejiang Provincial Natural Science Foundation of China. Grant Number: LBD24H180001
Chengcheng Li. Grant Number: CSC202207040015
Open access publishing facilitated by Abo Akademi, as part of the Wiley - FinELib agreement.


Last updated on 08/12/2025 11:05:09 AM