Abstract: Objective To investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of Ru nanoparticles⁃carbon support (Ru⁃NPs/C) in mediated chemodynamic therapy (CDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) on the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells. Methods The Ru⁃NPs/C were synthesized via a template⁃sacrificed assisted pyrolysis method, and their structural and catalytic properties were characterized by X⁃ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), X⁃ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), ultraviolet⁃visible spectrophotometry, and infrared thermography. The effects of Ru⁃NPs/C, both independently and in conjunction with near⁃infrared (NIR) radiation, on the proliferation and migration of 4T1 cells were assessed using the MTT assay and scratch test. The biocompatibility was evaluated via a hemolysis assay, and intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level was measured using the 2',7'⁃DCFH⁃DA fluorescent probe. Results Ru⁃NPs/C was successfully synthesized with Ru nanoparticles were highly dispersed on the carbon support. XPS analysis further revealed the co⁃existence of Ru in mixed valence states (Ru⁰ and Ru³⁺). Ru⁃NPs/C simultaneously mimicked robust peroxidase (POD)⁃like, catalase (CAT)⁃like, and glutathione oxidase (GSH⁃OXD)⁃like catalytic activities while exhibiting significant photothermal responsiveness. Compared to control and individual treatment groups, the combination of Ru⁃NPs/C with NIR group markedly increased ROS levels and inhibited the proliferation and migration of 4T1 cells (all P<0.01). Meanwhile, Ru⁃NPs/C demonstrated negligible cytotoxicity to normal cells MCF⁃10A, with a hemolysis rate below 5% even at 150 µg/mL, exhibiting excellent hemocompatibility. Conclusions Ru⁃NPs/C possess efficient multi⁃enzyme catalytic properties. Under NIR stimulation, effectively generate ROS to inhibit the proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells, demonstrating excellent potential for synergistic therapy.

Key words: Breast cancer； Ruthenium-based nanoparticles, Chemodynamic therapy, Near-infrared photothermal therapy, Reactive oxygen species