Mucin-Triggered Osmium Nanoclusters as Protein-Corona-Like Nanozymes with Photothermal-Enhanced Peroxidase-Like Activity for Tumor-Specific Therapy

Nanomaterials with peroxidase-like activity and photothermal conversion efficiency have garnered significant attention for their ability to generate cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals and provide synergistic therapeutic effects. Selecting nanozymes with suitable properties and carriers is crucial for maximizing efficacy. While the mucin family is known for its mucoadhesive, glycosylated structures that enhance drug bioavailability and targeting, its potential in nanozymes remains underexplored. Here, we utilize mucin-2 to facilitate osmium nanoclusters (Os@Mucin), creating protein-corona-like nanozymes. This configuration bestows Os@Mucin with excellent peroxidase-like activity (769 U/mg) and photothermal conversion efficiency (22.83%, 808 nm). Mucin-2 promotes Os uptake by cells, allowing Os@Mucin to exhibit tumor environment-responsive peroxidase-like activity, further enhanced under photothermal conditions for targeted cytotoxicity and synergistic effects.