Ultrasound-Triggered Localized Surface Plasmon Resonance Enhances Electron Transfer for Melanoma Sonodynamic Therapy

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has been recognized as a major technique for the treatment of tumors. However, its clinical implementation is constrained by the scarcity of effective sonosensitizers. Here, a Schottky heterojunction (CeTCPP@AuNPs) was rationally designed to combine sonosensitization with a Fenton-like reaction, enabling synergistic therapeutic effects. The localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) effect of AuNPs endows CeTCPP@AuNPs with exceptional ultrasound-catalyzed activity. The LSPR effect of AuNPs reduces the Schottky barrier and facilitates interfacial electron transfer under ultrasound excitation, thereby enhancing the sonodynamic performance. Beyond its conventional role in photocatalysis, the LSPR effect is shown here to directly regulate electron transfer at a Schottky heterointerface under ultrasound. It is worth noting that the general applicability of this mechanism was confirmed by observing similar LSPR-mediated effects in Ag and Pt. Moreover, amplification of peroxidase-like activity improves chemodynamic therapy (CDT). In biodegradable microneedle patches, CeTCPP@AuNPs microneedles penetrate the dermis, delivering antitumor agents to melanoma lesions and inducing apoptosis. This strategic combination of SDT and CDT demonstrates the potential of CeTCPP@AuNPs for advancing antitumor therapies.