Synergistic photothermal chemodynamic therapy using PB@Pd nanoparticles for enhanced colorectal cancer treatment

The heterogeneity of tumors and complex pathways present significant challenges for effective treatment. In response, we developed a multifunctional platform combining photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemodynamic therapy (CDT), PB@Pd nanoparticles (NPs), to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of colorectal cancer. PB@Pd NPs were synthesized by doping palladium (Pd) on the surface of Prussian blue (PB) nanomaterials, enabling synergistic therapeutic effect. PTT generates localized hyperthermia, which accelerates the Fenton-like reaction and promotes the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the tumor microenvironment. Meanwhile, ROS generated by CDT disrupts the tumor’s antioxidant defence system and increases the thermal sensitivity of cancer cells, thus enhancing the efficacy of PTT. This PTT/CDT synergistic approach overcomes the limitations of monotherapies, such as the limited penetration depth of PTT and the inefficiency of CDT in low H 2 O 2 environments. In vitro cellular experiments demonstrated that PB@Pd NPs significantly improved the therapeutic efficacy through synergistic effects. The nanoplatform also has good biocompatibility and stability, reducing the risk of side effects and drug resistance. By integrating PTT and CDT in vivo colon cancer model, PB@Pd NPs offer a promising strategy for more precise, efficient and less toxic tumor therapy, demonstrating their potential in advanced cancer therapies.