Z-Scheme heterostructures for glucose oxidase-sensitized radiocatalysis and starvation therapy of tumors

Abstract

Although many semiconductor heterojunctions have been prepared to promote radiation-generated exciton separation for radiocatalysis therapy (RCT), most of them inevitably sacrifice the redox ability of radiation-generated electrons and holes. Herein, we design and construct BiOI/Bi₂S₃@polydopamine nanosheets modified by amine–polyethylene glycol–folic acid and glucose oxidase for glucose oxidase-sensitized RCT and starvation therapy (ST) synergistic therapy of tumors. The unique Z-scheme energy level arrangement between BiOI and Bi₂S₃ can elevate the charge separation efficiency, as well as maximize the redox ability of radiation-generated electrons and holes, leading to the enhancement of the therapeutic efficacy of RCT. Since glucose oxidase can supply excess H₂O₂ for RCT to produce ˙OH on one hand, but efficiently cut off the energy supply of tumor cells via ST, on the other hand, our nanosheets exhibit superior tumor therapeutic efficacy to any single treatment benefiting from the cascade and synergy effects between RCT and ST.