Light amplified oxidative stress in tumor microenvironment by carbonized hemin nanoparticles for boosting photodynamic anticancer therapy

Photodynamic therapy (PDT), which utilizes light excite photosensitizers (PSs) to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) and consequently ablate cancer cells or diseased tissue, has attracted a great deal of attention in the last decades due to its unique advantages. However, the advancement of PDT is restricted by the inherent characteristics of PS and tumor microenvironment (TME). It is urgent to explore high-performance PSs with TME regulation capability and subsequently improve the therapeutic outcomes. Herein, we reported a newly engineered PS of polymer encapsulated carbonized hemin nanoparticles (P-CHNPs) via a facile synthesis procedure for boosting photodynamic anticancer therapy. Solvothermal treatment of hemin enabled the synthesized P-CHNPs to enhance oxidative stress in TME, which could be further amplified under light irradiation. Excellent in vitro and in vivo PDT effects were achieved due to the improved ROS (hydroxyl radicals and singlet oxygen) generation efficiency, hypoxia relief, and glutathione depletion. Moreover, the superior in vitro and in vivo biocompatibility and boosted PDT effect make the P-CHNPs a potential therapeutic agent for future translational research.