Ultrasound‐Triggered Peroxynitrite‐Mediated ECM Degradation to Enhance Sonodynamic Cancer Therapy

The therapeutic efficacy against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is often limited by poor nanodrug penetration through the dense extracellular matrix (ECM). Although sonodynamic therapy (SDT) offers a non-invasive approach with deep tissue penetration, its effectiveness using wide-bandgap sonosensitizers is constrained by rapid electron-hole recombination. Guided by AI-driven screening, we developed narrow-bandgap (1.0-1.5 eV) tin monosulfide (SnS) as a sonosensitizer, which was further engineered into a cascade reaction-enhanced sonodynamic therapeutic system by loading nitric oxide (NO) donors and modifying with polyethylene glycol (PEG). Upon ultrasound stimulus, this system generates both ROS and NO, which not only exert the cytotoxic effects of sonodynamic therapy but also combine to yield highly cytotoxic peroxynitrite (ONOO<sup>-</sup>). The resulting ONOO<sup>-</sup> activates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to degrade the ECM, thereby enhancing nanoparticle penetration and establishing a self-reinforcing antitumor cycle. Furthermore, this ultrasound-driven strategy simultaneously induces mitochondrial apoptosis via ROS, overcoming the depth limitations of conventional light-based therapies and presenting a potent approach for TNBC treatment.

Authors

Institutions

Publication Details

Journal
Advanced Healthcare Materials
Published
2026-03-04
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1002/adhm.202505513
Primary Topic
Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00
Controls
|||
ALL TIME
JAN
FEB
MAR
APR
MAY
JUN
JUL
AUG
SEP
OCT
article

Ultrasound‐Triggered Peroxynitrite‐Mediated ECM Degradation to Enhance Sonodynamic Cancer Therapy

Qingzhen Hu, Xingyan Xu, Jianzhong Chen, Xiguang Han et al.
Advanced Healthcare Materials
Nanoplatforms for cancer theranostics
article

Ultrasound‐Triggered Peroxynitrite‐Mediated ECM Degradation to Enhance Sonodynamic Cancer Therapy

Qingzhen Hu, Xingyan Xu, Jianzhong Chen, Xiguang Han, Kang Xu, Huafei Liu, Xiaochen Dong, Weili Si
article en

Abstract

The therapeutic efficacy against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is often limited by poor nanodrug penetration through the dense extracellular matrix (ECM). Although sonodynamic therapy (SDT) offers a non-invasive approach with deep tissue penetration, its effectiveness using wide-bandgap sonosensitizers is constrained by rapid electron-hole recombination. Guided by AI-driven screening, we developed narrow-bandgap (1.0-1.5 eV) tin monosulfide (SnS) as a sonosensitizer, which was further engineered into a cascade reaction-enhanced sonodynamic therapeutic system by loading nitric oxide (NO) donors and modifying with polyethylene glycol (PEG). Upon ultrasound stimulus, this system generates both ROS and NO, which not only exert the cytotoxic effects of sonodynamic therapy but also combine to yield highly cytotoxic peroxynitrite (ONOO<sup>-</sup>). The resulting ONOO<sup>-</sup> activates matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) to degrade the ECM, thereby enhancing nanoparticle penetration and establishing a self-reinforcing antitumor cycle. Furthermore, this ultrasound-driven strategy simultaneously induces mitochondrial apoptosis via ROS, overcoming the depth limitations of conventional light-based therapies and presenting a potent approach for TNBC treatment.

Advanced Healthcare Materials
Jiangsu Normal University (CN), Nanjing Tech University (CN), Fudan University (CN)
Good health and well-being
Openalex Percentile: Top 35%
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.