Cu-Bi2S3 nanorods promote reactive oxygen species production for photodynamic therapy of prostate cancer

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has emerged as a promising cancer treatment approach due to its non-invasive and specifically targeted nature. However, the effectiveness of PDT is hindered by the complex synthesis of conventional photosensitizers and inadequate reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. Here, we synthesize a copper-doped Bi₂S₃ (Cu-Bi₂S₃) nanorod to investigate its PDT potential against PCa. Compared with bulk Bi₂S₃ (58%), Cu-Bi₂S₃ nanorod caused 87% of PC3 cells to die under light. The dispersed Cu in the Bi₂S₃ bulk phase effectively inhibits the recombination of photogenerated electron-hole pairs, ultimately providing a high concentration of charge carriers. DFT calculations show that Cu doping causes the d-band center of Cu-Bi₂S₃, promoting the adsorption and activation of O₂ on Cu-Bi₂S₃ to enhance ROS generation. This work offers a viable solution to the pressing scientific challenge of ROS generation, a key aspect of enhancing the efficacy of PDT for cancer treatment.