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The development of absorption-oriented intelligent switchable electromagnetic shielding materials has presented a promising solution for combining data transmission and electromagnetic shielding, and effectively reducing the secondary pollution caused by electromagnetic waves. However, it remains a challenge to achieve high electromagnetic interference shielding effectiveness (EMI SE) and a great absorption coefficient while adapting to certain deformations. Herein, a nickel-plated silicon carbide whisker (Ni@SiCw) is introduced to enhance the absorption properties through electroless plating under dielectric loss and magnetic loss. Ni@SiCw/polyurethane (TPU) is prepared by solution blending and hot pressing. Additionally, silver nanowires (AgNWs)/TPU layers are fabricated by electrospinning and vacuum-assisted filtration. The Ni@SiCw/TPU layer is then bonded with the AgNWs/TPU layer using waterborne polyurethane, fabricating a composite material with an electromagnetic isolation structure. This structure adopts the absorption–reflection–reabsorption shielding mechanism, which allows the composite material to achieve both great EMI SE (49.87 dB) and A (0.72). Furthermore, the material demonstrates the ability to switch the electromagnetic shielding efficiency (15.97–45.92 dB) within a range of 30% strain deformation. Moreover, after 200 tensile cycles, there is no significant decline in its electromagnetic shielding performance, which provides a reference strategy for the development of intelligent electromagnetic shielding materials. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Applying Fenton chemistry in the tumor microenvironment (TME) for cancer therapy is the most significant feature of chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Owing to the mild acid and overexpressed H 2 O 2 in TME, more cytotoxic hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) are generated in tumor cells via Fenton and Fenton-like reactions. Without external stimulus and drug resistance generation, reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated CDT exhibits a specific and desirable anticancer effect and has been seen as a promising strategy for cancer therapy. However, optimizing the treatment efficiency of CDT in TME is still challenging because of the limited catalytic efficiency of CDT agents and the strong cancer antioxidant capacity in TME. Hence, scientists are trying their best to design and fabricate many more CDT agents with excellent catalytic activity and remodeling TME for optimal CDT. In this perspective, the latest progress of CDT is discussed, with some representative examples presented. Consequently, promising strategies for further optimizing the efficiency of CDT guided by Fenton chemistry are provided. Most importantly, several feasible ways of developing CDT in the future are offered for reference., Competing Interests: The authors declare no competing financial interest., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Cancer has become a severe threat to human life due to its high mortality and metastatic rate. Effective inhibition and killing of cancer cells using chemotherapeutic drugs have been a promising means in clinical cancer therapy. However, the low selectivity, drug-resistance, uncontrollability and serious side effects of chemotherapy significantly limit its further development. There is an urgent need for new treatment strategies to compensate for deficiencies inherent in chemotherapy alone. A growing body of research shows that combined treatment strategies have the potential to overcome this dilemma by achieving significantly enhanced synergistic effects and reduced side effects. Emerging phase change materials (PCMs) create an ideal nanoplatform for cancer combination therapy due to their universal loading properties, stable and temperature-responsive phase transition capability, and excellent natural biocompatibility/biodegradability. The release of therapeutic agents can be precisely controlled through external, non-intrusive stimuli (such as NIR light and ultrasound), avoiding systemic toxicity associated with conventional chemotherapy. Herein, the construction methods and design principles of PCM-based nanoplatforms serving as strict gatekeeper and smart payload delivery systems are discussed in detail. Moreover, the advantages and disadvantages of these nanoplatforms are provided. A suitable discussion and perspective of the remaining challenges and future opportunities for PCM-based nanoplatforms in cancer treatment are also given in conclusion., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)

Chemodynamic therapy (CDT), employing Fenton or Fenton-like catalysts to convert hydrogen peroxide (H 2 O 2 ) into toxic hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) to kill cancer cells, holds high promise in tumor therapy due to its high selectivity. However, the anticancer efficacy is unsatisfactory owing to the limited concentration of endogenous H 2 O 2 . Herein, thermal responsive nanoparticles with H 2 O 2 self-sufficiency are fabricated by utilizing organic phase change materials (PCMs) to encapsulate iron-gallic acid nanoparticles (Fe-GA) and ultra-small CaO 2 . PCMs, acting as the gatekeeper, could be melted down by the hyperthermia effect of Fe-GA under laser irradiation with a burst release of Fe-GA and CaO 2 . The acidic tumor microenvironment would further trigger CaO 2 to generate a large amount of H 2 O 2 and Ca 2+ . The self-supplied H 2 O 2 would be converted into ˙OH by participating in the Fenton reaction with Fe-GA. Meanwhile, in situ generation of Ca 2+ could cause mitochondrial damage and lead to apoptosis of tumor cells. With efficient tumor accumulation illustrated in in vivo photoacoustic imaging, Fe-GA/CaO 2 @PCM demonstrated a superior in vivo tumor-suppressive effect without inducing systemic toxicity. The study presents a unique domino effect approach of PCM based nanoparticles with thermal responsiveness, H 2 O 2 self-supply, and greatly enhanced CDT effects, showing bright prospects for highly efficient tumor treatment., Competing Interests: There are no conflicts of interest to declare., (This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry.)