X‐Ray‐Responsive Zeolitic Imidazolate Framework‐Capped Nanotherapeutics for Cervical Cancer‐Targeting Radiosensitization

Abstract

AbstractDeveloping radiosensitizers based on the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment can improve the effectiveness and overcome the bottleneck of cervical cancer radiotherapy. Herein, an in situ synthesis strategy is demonstrated by using a highly bioactive zeolitic imidazolate framework to cap Mn3O4 and folic acid as targeting molecules (FA‐Mn3O4@ZIF‐8) to achieve enhanced radiosensitization against cervical cancer. As expected, the ZIF‐8 cap on the surface of Mn3O4 responds more effectively to X‐rays. Meanwhile, by facilitating the presence of oxygen vacancies and valence transition of manganese on the surface of Mn3O4, the ZIF‐8 cap on Mn3O4 can increase the catalytic capacity for hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and glutathione as well as produce more singlet oxygen under X‐ray, alleviate hypoxia within the tumor microenvironment, and increase reactive oxygen species production. Moreover, FA‐Mn3O4@ZIF‐8 shows excellent radiotherapy‐sensitizing properties in vitro and in vivo by promoting DNA damage and apoptosis. Collectively, this study suggests that designing and construction of X‐ray responsive nanoradiosensitizers could be a good way for future clinical radiotherapy of malignant cervical cancer.