Cascade‐Amplified Light‐Free Singlet Oxygen Generation: A Biomimetic‐Targeted Nanogenerator for Precision Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy

Abstract The aberrant proliferation of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) is a central driver of joint destruction and disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Among reactive oxygen species (ROS), singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) exhibits unique therapeutic potential due to its selective cytotoxicity toward hyperproliferative cells and its ability to overcome endogenous antioxidants. In this study, a light‐free 1 O 2 ‐generating nanogenerator CP@M is developed, constructed from platinum (Pt) clusters anchored on hollow nitrogen‐doped carbon spheres (CP) encapsulated with macrophage membranes (M) for the targeted elimination of pathogenic FLSs in RA. CP@M exhibits three unique therapeutic advantages: 1) Spontaneous 1 O 2 generation under light‐free conditions via superoxide‐mediated cascade reaction; 2) Self‐sufficient oxygen continuously supply enabled through catalase (CAT)‐like activity decomposing microenvironmental hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ); 3) Synergistic enhancement of 1 O 2 yield via NIR‐II responsive photothermal effect. Experimental results demonstrate that this cascade effect efficiently induces FLSs apoptosis, significantly inhibits bone and cartilage erosion, effectively blocks disease progression, and restores joint function. The light‐independent, self‐amplifying 1 O 2 generation strategy, combined with precise inflammatory targeting, provides a paradigm‐shifting new approach for RA therapy. This work not only proposes a novel class of biomimetic materials for self‐sustained 1 O 2 therapy but also establishes a transformative methodology for treating refractory inflammatory arthritis.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2025-12-02
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202520904
Primary Topic
Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

Funders

Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Cascade‐Amplified Light‐Free Singlet Oxygen Generation: A Biomimetic‐Targeted Nanogenerator for Precision Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy

Ziliang Zheng, Weiwei Kang, Mingxin Zhao, Juan Li et al.
Advanced Functional Materials
Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
article

Cascade‐Amplified Light‐Free Singlet Oxygen Generation: A Biomimetic‐Targeted Nanogenerator for Precision Rheumatoid Arthritis Therapy

Ziliang Zheng, Weiwei Kang, Mingxin Zhao, Juan Li, Ruiping Zhang, Qi Liu, Huifang Hao, Lingling Wei, Pengmin Liu, Mengting Gao
article en

Abstract

Abstract The aberrant proliferation of fibroblast‐like synoviocytes (FLSs) is a central driver of joint destruction and disease progression in rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Among reactive oxygen species (ROS), singlet oxygen ( 1 O 2 ) exhibits unique therapeutic potential due to its selective cytotoxicity toward hyperproliferative cells and its ability to overcome endogenous antioxidants. In this study, a light‐free 1 O 2 ‐generating nanogenerator CP@M is developed, constructed from platinum (Pt) clusters anchored on hollow nitrogen‐doped carbon spheres (CP) encapsulated with macrophage membranes (M) for the targeted elimination of pathogenic FLSs in RA. CP@M exhibits three unique therapeutic advantages: 1) Spontaneous 1 O 2 generation under light‐free conditions via superoxide‐mediated cascade reaction; 2) Self‐sufficient oxygen continuously supply enabled through catalase (CAT)‐like activity decomposing microenvironmental hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ); 3) Synergistic enhancement of 1 O 2 yield via NIR‐II responsive photothermal effect. Experimental results demonstrate that this cascade effect efficiently induces FLSs apoptosis, significantly inhibits bone and cartilage erosion, effectively blocks disease progression, and restores joint function. The light‐independent, self‐amplifying 1 O 2 generation strategy, combined with precise inflammatory targeting, provides a paradigm‐shifting new approach for RA therapy. This work not only proposes a novel class of biomimetic materials for self‐sustained 1 O 2 therapy but also establishes a transformative methodology for treating refractory inflammatory arthritis.

Advanced Functional Materials
Shanxi Medical University (CN), Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences (CN)
National Natural Science Foundation of China
Openalex Percentile: Top 63%
Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
AI Navigator

Ask Laika to Summarize, Analyze, and Connect papers live on the map.

Summarize Papers & Methodologies

Extract key findings, datasets, and comparative methods across publications.

Benchmark Rankings & Visual Analytics

Rank top research institutions, authors, funders, topics, and journals by Field-Weighted Citation Impact (FWCI) and paper volume with instant charts.

Connect Distant Disciplines

Bridge topological clusters on the map to find hidden collaborative intersections.