Individual theranostics with an integrated multifunction holds considerable promise for clinical application compared with multicomponent regimes. Mn3O4 nanoparticles with an ultrasmall size (4 nm) and mass production capability were developed with dual function of integrated tumor magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and therapy. The high valence state of Mn3O4 nanocrystals enables a sensitive reaction with the glutathione (GSH) molecule and favorable decomposition ability, which further induces a unique, favorable, variable T 1 turn-off and T 2 turn-on MRI property. In addition, ultrasmall Mn3O4 nanoparticles reacted with high-level GSH in the tumor microenvironment induces responsive and enhanced variable T 1- and T 2-MRI imaging capability for accurate cancer diagnosis. Moreover, the synthesized ultrasmall Mn3O4 nanoparticles exhibit considerable ferroptosis effect towards tumor cells and excellent in vivo biocompatibility, thus indicating promising effective cancer treatment application. The developed ultrasmall Mn3O4 nanoparticles with integrated dual functions of GSH-responsive variable T 1 and T 2 MRI imaging effects and ferroptosis capability show promising potential as a candidate for tumor theranostics in clinical applications.
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