Modulation of the Atomic Spacing of Electrocatalytic for Boosting Reactive Oxygen Species Production to Precise Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Apoptosis

Abstract

Promoting tumor cell apoptosis through the catalytic regulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) is an ideal therapeutic option for cancer. However, a stable and controllable exogenous source of ROS is still lacking. Efficient and controllable electrocatalysis has shown tremendous potential for cancer treatment, but its key challenge lies in achieving precise, efficient, and controllable electrocatalytic ROS production at the tumor site. This study describes an electrocatalytic treatment technique for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) based on traditional Chinese acupuncture. By attaching a biocompatible electrocatalyst NiO-P 700 with optimal atomic spacing to the surface of silver acupuncture needles, a high-concentration ROS microenvironment was generated around tumor cells via ORRs when the needles were electrified. This induction led to the accumulation of inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and macrophage infiltration, accelerating tumor cell apoptosis and necrosis. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the rate of ROS production can be rapidly controlled by adjusting voltage and current. Importantly, the high concentration of ROS can be safely and effectively confined to the lesion site without affecting the entire body. Our study attempted to integrate electrocatalysis and acupuncture in HCC treatment, successfully regulating NiO-P atomic spacing and enhancing ORR performance, thereby presenting a safe and reliable perspective for HCC therapy.