Hydrogen Nanozyme Shows Promise Against Cancer in Lab Study
A Hydrogen-Releasing Nanozyme Engineers a Mitochondrial ROS Amplifier for Self-Sustaining Catalytic Immunotherapy
Research hubs: Immune System
- Evidence type
- Laboratory study (cells or tissue)
- Authors
- Mingfan Shi, Jingrui Cao, Tong Wu, Guang Yang, YaWen Yang, Shixin Zhang, Wenwen Su, Hongyu Chu, Yangyang Zhao, Shan Jiang, Qiong Wu, Dongxu Jiao, Fangfang Chen
- Journal
- Advanced Science
- Year
- 2026
- DOI
- 10.1002/advs.202524313
- Study Type
- Cell Culture
- Outcome
- Positive
- Peer Reviewed
- Yes
- Country
- China
- Health Condition
- Cancer
- Body System
- Immune System
This research was done on cells or tissue in a lab, not in people or animals.
TL;DR
A hydrogen-doped rhodium-palladium nanozyme used NIR-triggered catalytic activity and hydrogen release to amplify tumor oxidative stress, suppress tumor growth, and activate antitumor immunity in preclinical models.
Key Finding
A hydrogen-releasing nanozyme particle suppressed tumor growth in animal studies by generating sustained reactive oxygen species through a dual mechanism: direct production of harmful molecules combined with triggering cancer cells' own energy-producing structures to generate additional reactive molecules.
Summary
Researchers created a tiny particle made of rhodium and palladium metals that releases hydrogen gas when exposed to near-infrared light. In laboratory and animal studies, this particle generated reactive molecules (called ROS) that killed cancer cells by disrupting their internal energy-producing structures (mitochondria). The approach worked by creating oxidative stress—a harmful buildup of reactive molecules—that overwhelmed cancer cells' natural defense systems.
Practical Takeaway
This is early-stage laboratory and animal research on a specialized nanoparticle therapy, not hydrogen water. While the results are promising for potential cancer treatment, this work is far from human application and does not directly inform the safety or efficacy of hydrogen water as a consumer product. The study demonstrates that hydrogen gas can play a role in cellular processes, but the delivery method, dosage, and mechanism are completely different from drinking hydrogen water.
Abstract (excerpt)
ABSTRACT The efficacy of nanocatalytic therapy is constrained by the limited availability of endogenous hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) as a reaction substrate, finite catalytic activity of nanozymes and rapid scavenging by intracellular antioxidants, hindering their accumulation at target sites…