Lanthanide-specific doping in vacancy-engineered piezocatalysts induces lysosomal destruction and tumor cell pyroptosis.

Abstract

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated pyroptosis provides a robust strategy for overcoming apoptosis resistance in breast cancer therapy. Nevertheless, the low efficiency of pyroptosis remains an undeniable challenge. Overcoming this obstacle necessitates the creation of innovative approaches and nanocatalysts to boost ROS generation. Herein, the distinct lanthanum-doped BiFeO₃ (La-BFO) piezoelectric nanozymes are rationally designed and engineered for the specific cell pyroptosis of breast cancer through inducing the amplified production of ROS and releasing La ions.

Results: The introduction of La reduces the recombination rate of electron-hole pairs through narrowing the bandgap and creating the oxygen vacancy of BFO, improving the harmful ROS generation efficiency. Importantly, the released La ions robustly disrupt the lysosomal membrane, ultimately inducing cell pyroptosis, in combination with ROS-induced biological effect.

Conclusion: In vitro and in vivo antineoplastic results confirm the desirable therapeutic effect on combating tumor. Especially, the iron and bismuth elemental components endow the nanocomposites with dual-mode computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging ability, guaranteeing the potential therapeutic guidance and monitoring.