CHINESE scientists have introduced a metal-free nanozyme based on graphene quantum dots (GQDs) for highly efficient tumor therapy.

The study, conducted by a research group led by the Hefei Institutes of Physical Science of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, was published Thursday in the journal Matter.

According to the study, GQDs presents a promising and cost-effective means in tumor chemodynamic therapy (CDT). However, the limited catalytic activity of GQDs has posed great challenges for their clinical application.

To enhance the catalytic performance of the GQD-based nanocatalytic adjuvant, the researchers designed GQDs using a diatomic doping strategy.

According to the study, the GQDs have been shown to possess impressive peroxidase-mimicking activity. As a result, the GQDs are highly effective at inducing apoptosis and ferroptosis of cancer cells in vitro. (Xinhua)