Multifunctional MnO2-based nanoplatforms for mitigation of hypoxia and achieving self-enhanced diagnosis and treatment of liver cancer

In solid tumors, chronic lack of blood and oxygen (O 2 ) causes hypoxia, which diminishes tumor cell sensitivity and contributes to unfavorable outcomes. To address this issue, we synthesized manganese dioxide MnO 2 on gold nanorods (GNR), a system designed to undergo straightforward degradation within the tumor microenvironment (TME). The nano platform facilitates the controlled release of drugs within the TME and mitigates hypoxia to enhance photodynamic therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma. The unique mesoporous structure of the nanoplatforms allows for the loading of indocyanine green (ICG) and Doxorubicin (DOX), which serve as near-infrared (NIR)-mediated photodynamic reagents. When applied to hepatocellular carcinoma, MnO 2 rapidly degrades within the TME, efficiently releasing DOX and ICG. Additionally, the agent induces the decomposition of endogenous hydrogen peroxide abundant in hepatocellular carcinoma, thereby facilitating highly efficient chemo/photothermal/photodynamic therapy.