Manganese Nanozymes Enhance Cancer Imaging Therapy

A research study conducted by a team led by Prof. Wang Hui at the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science (HFIPS) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS) has made significant advancements in the domain of cancer therapy. The research focuses on the development of a novel type of low-coordination single-atom manganese nanozyme, utilizing a unique "molecular carbonization-reduction" strategy, which shows promise for enhancing imaging-guided cancer treatment.

Innovative Manganese Nanozyme Development

Collaboration with researchers such as Prof. Qian Junchao from HFIPS and Prof. Qu Songnan from the University of Macau is key to this groundbreaking work. The researchers utilized electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) measurements at the Steady-State Strong Magnetic Field Facility (SHMFF) to facilitate their findings.

Challenges in Traditional Catalytic Therapies

Traditional metal-nitrogen (M-Nx) catalysts, typically found in stable M-N4 configurations, present challenges for catalytic performance:

• Limited active sites that restrict their effectiveness.
• Tendency to lose intermediates during catalytic processing due to weak substrate binding.

Introduction to Single-Atom Manganese-Doped Carbon Dots

To overcome these limitations, the research team developed a novel strategy that involved selecting specific molecular ligands to chelate with manganese, leading to the creation of single-atom manganese-doped carbon dots (SA Mn-CDs) exhibiting a low-coordinated Mn-N2 configuration. These advancements allowed for:

• Ultrasmall dimensions with atomically dispersed manganese centers.
• Excellent water solubility and strong biocompatibility.
• High peroxidase-like activity through effective mediation of Fenton-like reactions, validated through advanced EPR analysis.

Utility in Imaging-Guided Tumor Catalytic Therapy

This innovative nanozyme demonstrates remarkable potential for near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging at both cellular and animal levels. This capability facilitates precise image-guided tumor catalytic therapy, a significant advancement in cancer treatment methodologies.

Study Significance

The implications of this study are vast, underscoring the potential of low-coordination manganese-based nanozymes to revolutionize NIR-guided cancer therapy. The authors highlight the importance of atomic-scale design in enhancing single-atom catalytic therapy for biomedical applications. As such, this research not only advances the scientific understanding of cancer therapy mechanisms but also adds to the development of targeted treatment protocols.

Further Information

The detailed findings and methodologies of this research are documented in the publication titled Low‐Coordination Configuration Single‐Atom Manganese Nanozymes for NIR‐Imaging‐Oriented Efficient Catalytic Oncotherapy, published in Advanced Science in 2025. The complete study can be accessed for deeper insights and further reading at this link.

Conclusion

The successful development of low-coordination single-atom manganese nanozymes signifies a pivotal step forward in cancer therapeutics, opening new avenues for targeted treatments that minimize side effects while maximizing therapeutic efficacy. As research progresses, the incorporation of such advanced materials may lead to improved clinical outcomes for cancer patients, demonstrating the integral role of innovation in the fight against cancer.

References

“This research highlights the importance of advanced materials in enhancing cancer therapies through improved imaging and targeted treatment capabilities.” – Prof. Wang Hui, Lead Researcher