Catalytic Nanomedicine: Coated bionanocatalysts for Catalytic Antineoplastic activity

Glioma tumors are the most common form of central nervous system tumors, and there is a pressing need for innovative methods that can precisely target cancer cells while leaving healthy tissues unharmed. In this study, progressing in the field of Catalytic Nanomedicine, we investigated the cytotoxic effects of a novel class of bionanocatalysts on glioma cancer cells. These bionanocatalysts were constructed from a catalytic matrix of oxides with evenly dispersed superficial copper-coating nanoparticles. This design optimizes both the inherent catalytic characteristics of the matrix and instills cytotoxic properties. The bionanocatalysts coated with copper demonstrated a significant reduction in cancer cell viability when compared to reference bionanocatalysts without the transition metal. We also observed structural damage to the cytoskeleton and alterations in mitochondrial activity. These findings suggest that these pathways are integral to the mechanisms through which these nanostructures execute their bionanocatalytic activities, particularly in breaking chemical bonds. Importantly, our physicochemical analyses verified that the coating with copper species, primarily CuO, did not disrupt the individual structure of the bionanocatalysts: instead, it enhanced their catalytic cytotoxic potential. This research aims to deepen our understanding of the mechanisms underlying this promising antineoplastic treatment and underscore the effectiveness of superficial copper-coating nanoparticles as agents for amplifying the inherent properties of bionanocatalysts through nanocatalysis.