Hypoxia-Initiated Supramolecular Free Radicals Induce Intracellular Polymerization for Precision Tumor Therapy.

ABSTRACT: Despite the development of various controlled release systems for antitumor therapies, off-target side effects remain a persistent challenge. In situ therapeutic synthesis from biocompatible substances offers a safer and more precise alternative. This study presents a hypoxia-initiated supramolecular free radical system capable of inducing intracellular polymerization, thereby disrupting the cytoskeleton and organelles within 4T1 cells. The system utilizes a 2:1 supramolecular host-guest complex of cucurbit[7]uril (CB[7]) and perylene diimide derivative (PDI), termed PDI+2CB[7], which is selectively reduced by the tumor's hypoxic and reducing environment to generate delocalized free radical anions. CB[7] effectively stabilizes these anions, enabling the PDI+2CB[7] complex to initiate free

SUBMITTER: Tang M 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11783515 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature