A research team led by Academician Hongjie Zhang, Researcher Shuyan Song, Associate Researcher Pengpeng Lei, and Dr. Ran An at the Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, has developed a groundbreaking method to synthesize a series of biodegradable cesium nanosalts with potent anti-tumor properties. Published in CCS Chemistry, their work introduces a Trojan horse strategy that enables nanosalts to penetrate tumor cells, disturb ion balance, and trigger pyroptosis—a form of programmed inflammatory cell death.
These nanosalts enter cells via endocytosis, bypassing ion channel barriers and disrupting intracellular ion homeostasis. The resulting surge in osmotic pressure causes tumor cell lysis and releases damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs), which activate strong anti-tumor immune responses. Cesium ions further inhibit sodium/glucose cotransporters, disrupting tumor metabolism by reducing glucose uptake. When combined with docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), the system not only enhances pyroptosis but also initiates ferroptosis, creating a dual-action therapy.
The study highlights several key innovations:
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A novel method for the controlled synthesis of cesium-based nanosalts.
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A “Trojan horse” ion delivery mechanism inducing pyroptosis and immune activation.
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Cesium ions disrupting metabolic homeostasis via transporter inhibition.
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DHA amplification of both pyroptosis and ferroptosis pathways.
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Verified in vitro and in vivo efficacy in suppressing tumor invasion and metastasis.
This multifunctional nanosalt platform offers a new direction for ion-interference-based tumor therapy, combining physical, metabolic, and immune mechanisms for enhanced cancer treatment. The findings demonstrate that expanding the nanosalt library can open new pathways for next-generation biodegradable nanomedicines against malignancies.
