Machine Learning‐Optimized Single‐Atom Catalysts Enable Microenvironment‐Adaptive Chemodynamic‐Bioorthogonal Cancer Therapy

X Xiangxuan Chao (Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences) Z Zitong Zhao (Department of Chemistry and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, College of Smart Materials and Future Energy, Laboratory of Advanced Materials) C Chengming Du (Materdicine Lab School of Life Sciences Shanghai University Shanghai China) X Xiaozhen Zhou (Materdicine Lab School of Life Sciences Shanghai University Shanghai China) C Chenyao Wu (Materdicine Lab School of Life Sciences Shanghai University Shanghai China) W Wei Feng (Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences) L Lili Xia Y Yu Chen

Abstract

ABSTRACT Chemodynamic therapy (CDT), which harnesses endogenous chemical energy within the tumor microenvironment (TME), has shown high potential for precise cancer treatment. However, its efficacy is often limited by the mildly acidic and reductive nature of the TME that compromises catalyst stability and activity. Developing catalysts capable of maintaining robust performance under such physiological constraints remains a key challenge. Herein, we report a programmable dual‐catalytic platform that integrates machine learning‐guided design with atomic‐level precision. Through predictive modeling, we establish quantitative structure‐performance relationships that guided the rational synthesis of iron single‐atoms (Fe‐N 5 SAs). The Fe‐N 5 SAs demonstrate exceptional chemodynamic reactivity and environmental stability within the complex TME, efficiently converting endogenous hydrogen peroxide into hydroxyl radicals for precise tumor ablation. Moreover, Fe‐N 5 SAs exhibit potent bioorthogonal catalytic activity, enabling in situ prodrug activation and localized synthesis of doxorubicin under physiological conditions. This synergistic CDT‐bioorthogonal dual‐catalytic mechanism achieves tumor‐selective, stimulus‐free, and combinatorial therapy, markedly enhancing overall antitumor efficacy. This study establishes a machine learning‐guided framework for single‐atom catalyst design and expands the frontiers of metal catalysis in biomedical applications.

Article Details

Volume / Issue Vol. 38, Issue 40
Published July 01, 2026
ISSN 0935-9648
Publisher Unknown Publisher

Journal Info

Advanced Materials

Unknown Publisher

ISSN: 0935-9648 Physical Sciences

Authors (8)

X

Xiangxuan Chao

Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences

Z

Zitong Zhao

Department of Chemistry and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Molecular Catalysis and Innovative Materials, College of Smart Materials and Future Energy, Laboratory of Advanced Materials

C

Chengming Du

Materdicine Lab School of Life Sciences Shanghai University Shanghai China

X

Xiaozhen Zhou

Materdicine Lab School of Life Sciences Shanghai University Shanghai China

C

Chenyao Wu

Materdicine Lab School of Life Sciences Shanghai University Shanghai China

W

Wei Feng

Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences

L

Lili Xia

Y

Yu Chen