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Copper(II)–Graphitic Carbon Nitride Triggered Synergy: Improved ROS Generation and Reduced Glutathione Levels for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy
Author(s) -
Ju Enguo,
Dong Kai,
Chen Zhaowei,
Liu Zhen,
Liu Chaoqun,
Huang Yanyan,
Wang Zhenzhen,
Pu Fang,
Ren Jinsong,
Qu Xiaogang
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
angewandte chemie international edition
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 5.831
H-Index - 550
eISSN - 1521-3773
pISSN - 1433-7851
DOI - 10.1002/anie.201605509
Subject(s) - reactive oxygen species , glutathione , photodynamic therapy , hydrogen peroxide , graphitic carbon nitride , chemistry , superoxide , photosensitizer , intracellular , hydroxyl radical , oxidative stress , photochemistry , biochemistry , photocatalysis , antioxidant , catalysis , enzyme , organic chemistry
Graphitic carbon nitride (g‐C 3 N 4 ) has been used as photosensitizer to generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) for photodynamic therapy (PDT). However, its therapeutic efficiency was far from satisfactory. One of the major obstacles was the overexpression of glutathione (GSH) in cancer cells, which could diminish the amount of generated ROS before their arrival at the target site. Herein, we report that the integration of Cu 2+ and g‐C 3 N 4 nanosheets (Cu 2+ –g‐C 3 N 4 ) led to enhanced light‐triggered ROS generation as well as the depletion of intracellular GSH levels. Consequently, the ROS generated under light irradiation could be consumed less by reduced GSH, and efficiency was improved. Importantly, redox‐active species Cu + –g‐C 3 N 4 could catalyze the reduction of molecular oxygen to the superoxide anion or hydrogen peroxide to the hydroxyl radical, both of which facilitated the generation of ROS. This synergy of improved ROS generation and GSH depletion could enhance the efficiency of PDT for cancer therapy.