Nonoxidized MXene Quantum Dots Prepared by Microexplosion Method for Cancer Catalytic Therapy

Abstract

Nanocatalysts based on Fenton or Fenton‐like reactions for amplification of intracellular oxidative stress has become a frontier research area of tumor precise therapy. However, the major translational challenges are low catalytic efficiency, poor biocompatibility, and even potential toxicities. Here, a Ti‐based material with excellent biocompatibility is proposed for cancer treatment. The nonoxidized MXene‐Ti 3 C 2 Tx quantum dots (NMQDs‐Ti 3 C 2 Tx) are successfully prepared by a self‐designed microexplosion method. Surprisingly, it has an apparent inhibitory and killing effect on cancer cells, and excellent biocompatibility with normal cells. Moreover, the suppression rate of NMQDs‐Ti 3 C 2 Tx on xenograft tumor models can reach 91.9% without damaging normal tissues. Mechanistically, the Ti 3+ of NMQDs‐Ti 3 C 2 Tx can react with H 2 O 2 in the tumor microenvironment and high‐efficiently produce excessive toxic hydroxyl radicals to increase tumor microvascular permeability to synergistically kill cancer cells. This work should pave the way for tumor catalytic therapy applications of Ti‐based material as a promising and safer route.