The composites of triple-helix glucan nanotubes/selenium nanoparticles target hepatocellular carcinoma to enhance ferroptosis by depleting glutathione and augmenting redox imbalance

•The nanocomposites directly reacted with GSH and H2O2 to elevate oxidative stress.•The nanocomposites disturbed multiple metabolic pathways related to oxidative stress.•The nanocomposites could kill cancer by inducing cell apoptosis and ferroptosis.•The nanocomposites suppressed glutathione and thioredoxin antioxidant systems.