Issue 30, 2025

Near infrared light driven nanocatalyst with hole-mediated GSH-depletion for augmented memory therapy

Abstract

Photocatalytic therapy holds promise as a non-invasive approach for tumor treatment and is currently under active development. However, its effectiveness relies on continuous laser radiation, which can limit its practical application. To overcome this challenge, we designed a novel composite photocatalyst composed of SnO2 nanoparticles strategically decorated on Cu2O nanospheres. This unique design creates a p–n heterojunction that serves as a robust driving force for photogenerated electrons and holes under 808 nm laser illumination. This enhanced photocatalytic activity results in the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depletion of glutathione (GSH), further augmenting the anti-tumor effect. It is noteworthy that the Cu2O@SnO2 nanocatalyst exhibits remarkable “memory” of photocatalytic activity, ensuring effective tumor treatment even after the laser is stopped. This study offers a promising approach for sustained tumor treatment, even after the laser radiation has been stopped.

Graphical abstract: Near infrared light driven nanocatalyst with hole-mediated GSH-depletion for augmented memory therapy

Supplementary files

Transparent peer review

To support increased transparency, we offer authors the option to publish the peer review history alongside their article.

View this article’s peer review history

Article information

Article type
Communication
Submitted
16 Apr 2025
Accepted
30 Jun 2025
First published
01 Jul 2025

J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025,13, 9043-9050

Near infrared light driven nanocatalyst with hole-mediated GSH-depletion for augmented memory therapy

Z. Deng, J. Li, C. Hu, Y. Tang, J. Zhong, H. Wei, J. Tao and Q. Zheng, J. Mater. Chem. B, 2025, 13, 9043 DOI: 10.1039/D5TB00892A

To request permission to reproduce material from this article, please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

If you are an author contributing to an RSC publication, you do not need to request permission provided correct acknowledgement is given.

If you are the author of this article, you do not need to request permission to reproduce figures and diagrams provided correct acknowledgement is given. If you want to reproduce the whole article in a third-party publication (excluding your thesis/dissertation for which permission is not required) please go to the Copyright Clearance Center request page.

Read more about how to correctly acknowledge RSC content.

Social activity

Spotlight

Advertisements