Electronic Structure Modulation of Zn–Y Dual Single‐Atom Sites for Synergistic Sonodynamic/Catalytic Cancer Therapy: “One Heart (Zn) and One Mind (Y)”

ABSTRACT Combining sonodynamic therapy (SDT) with catalytic therapy presents a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, its development has been constrained by the scarcity of efficient sonosensitizers and limited control over catalytic processes. Herein, a ZnY dual single‐atom nanozyme (DAzyme) anchored on a zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) substrate is developed to function as both a sonosensitizer and a nanozyme, synergistically promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and antitumor activity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the synergistic interplay between adjacent Zn─Y diatomic sites endow the ZnY DAzyme with a metalloid‐like electronic structure. This unique electronic configuration significantly facilitates the generation and separation of electron‐hole pairs under ultrasound stimulation, thereby enhancing the SDT performance. In addition to its sonodynamic function, the nanozyme exhibits peroxidase (POD)‐like activity, catalyzing the conversion of endogenous H 2 O 2 into •OH within the tumor microenvironment (TME), contributing to cancer cell destruction. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that the ZnY DAzyme, under ultrasound stimulation, provides superior tumor suppression compared to single‐metal analogues. Collectively, this work establishes a DAzyme‐based strategy for synergistic SDT and catalytic therapy, showcasing its potential for enhancing cancer therapy.

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Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Functional Materials
Published
2026-01-30
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adfm.202529737
Primary Topic
Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
Type
article
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article

Electronic Structure Modulation of Zn–Y Dual Single‐Atom Sites for Synergistic Sonodynamic/Catalytic Cancer Therapy: “One Heart (Zn) and One Mind (Y)”

Chenyang Shen, Lei Li, Jingyuan Guo, Chenxin Dong et al.
Advanced Functional Materials
Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
article

Electronic Structure Modulation of Zn–Y Dual Single‐Atom Sites for Synergistic Sonodynamic/Catalytic Cancer Therapy: “One Heart (Zn) and One Mind (Y)”

Chenyang Shen, Lei Li, Jingyuan Guo, Chenxin Dong, Chenyue Jiang, Zhengbo Chen, Nufang Zhang, Shaobo Wang, Guo Wang, Zhuo Wang, Qinyu Zhao
article en

Abstract

ABSTRACT Combining sonodynamic therapy (SDT) with catalytic therapy presents a promising strategy for cancer treatment. However, its development has been constrained by the scarcity of efficient sonosensitizers and limited control over catalytic processes. Herein, a ZnY dual single‐atom nanozyme (DAzyme) anchored on a zeolitic imidazolate framework‐8 (ZIF‐8) substrate is developed to function as both a sonosensitizer and a nanozyme, synergistically promoting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and antitumor activity. Density functional theory (DFT) calculations reveal that the synergistic interplay between adjacent Zn─Y diatomic sites endow the ZnY DAzyme with a metalloid‐like electronic structure. This unique electronic configuration significantly facilitates the generation and separation of electron‐hole pairs under ultrasound stimulation, thereby enhancing the SDT performance. In addition to its sonodynamic function, the nanozyme exhibits peroxidase (POD)‐like activity, catalyzing the conversion of endogenous H 2 O 2 into •OH within the tumor microenvironment (TME), contributing to cancer cell destruction. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrate that the ZnY DAzyme, under ultrasound stimulation, provides superior tumor suppression compared to single‐metal analogues. Collectively, this work establishes a DAzyme‐based strategy for synergistic SDT and catalytic therapy, showcasing its potential for enhancing cancer therapy.

Advanced Functional Materials
Bengbu Medical College (CN), Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN), University of Michigan (US), Southern University of Science and Technology (CN), Beijing Institute of Nanoenergy and Nanosystems (CN), University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (CN), Capital Normal University (CN)
Openalex Percentile: Top 73%
Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
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