Preparation of water-soluble tantalum nanoparticles and their radiosensitization application

Radiation therapy (RT) that utilizes high dose of ionizing radiation to kill tumor cells is a common cancer treatment method. However, the effectiveness of RT is limited by the tolerance of normal tissue surrounding the tumor. Using high atom number (Z) element-based radiosensitizers to increase energy deposit inside tumor cells can achieve better carcinoma killing. Tantalum nanoparticles (Ta NPs) exhibit good radiotherapy sensitization effects. However, achieving the water solubility of Ta NPs is challenging. This study reported a mechanochemical method for obtaining Ta NPs modified with sodium hexametaphosphate (SHMP) for radiotherapy sensitization applications. The results showed that the water solubility of Ta NPs modified with SHMP was significantly improved. Their biocompatibility and radiosensitizing ability are also verified at both cellular and animal levels.