Electron Density Modulation-Enhanced Magnetic Nanocatalysis for Anti-Tumor Therapy

The local electron distribution at active sites is one of the key determinants to affect the catalytic activity for hydroxyl radicals (·OH) generation from endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) to boost chemodynamic therapy (CDT) efficiency. Herein, carbon-coated NiFe₂O₄ nanocatalysts (NFN@C) with localized electron distribution at octahedral Fe sites induced by the dopant of Ni into the spinel structure is designed to significantly enhance CDT efficiency. The localized electron configuration promotes ·OH adsorption, intensifying its Fenton reaction activity. Moreover, Ni incorporation endows NFN@C with exceptional efficacy in near-infrared II (NIR-II) mediated photothermal therapy (PTT), amplifying its cancer-fighting potential. Rigorous In Vitro and In Vivo analyses highlight the unmatched capability of NFN@C in tumor ablation through combined PTT and CDT modalities. This work presents a potent strategy for adjusting the local electron distribution at active sites, thereby significantly enhancing the efficacy of NIR-II responsive magnetic nanocatalysts and enabling multifunctional therapeutic applications.