Catalytic core–shell nanoparticles with self-supplied calcium and H2O2 to enable combinational tumor inhibition

Abstract

Nanoparticles, presenting catalytic activity to induce intracellular oxidative species, have been extensively explored for tumor treatment, but suffer daunting challenges in the limited intracellular H₂O₂ and thus suppressed therapeutic efficacy. Here in this study, a type of composite nanoparticles, consisting CaO₂ core and Co-ferrocene shell, is designed and synthesized for combinational tumor treatment. The findings indicate that CaO₂ core can be hydrolyzed to produce large amounts of H₂O₂ and calcium ions at the acidic tumor sites. Meanwhile, Co-ferrocene shell acts as an excellent Fenton catalyst, inducing considerable ROS generation following its reaction with H₂O₂. Excessive cellular oxidative stress triggers agitated calcium accumulation in addition to the calcium ions released from the particles. The combined effect of intracellular ROS and calcium overload causes significant tumor inhibition both in vitro and in vivo.