Biomimetic Theranostic Agents with Superior NIR-II Photoacoustic and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Performance for Targeted Photothermal Therapy of Prostate Cancer

Abstract

The accurate diagnosis and treatment of prostate cancer at an early stage is crucial to reduce mortality rates. However, the limited availability of theranostic agents with active tumor-targeting abilities hinders imaging sensitivity and therapeutic efficiency. To address this challenge, we have developed biomimetic cell membrane-modified Fe2O3 nanoclusters implanted in polypyrrole (CM-LFPP), achieving photoacoustic/magnetic resonance dual-modal imaging-guided photothermal therapy of prostate cancer. The CM-LFPP exhibits strong absorption in the second near-infrared window (NIR-II, 1000–1700 nm), showing high photothermal conversion efficiency of up to 78.7% under 1064 nm laser irradiation, excellent photoacoustic imaging capabilities, and good magnetic resonance imaging ability with a T2 relaxivity of up to 48.7 s−1 mM−1. Furthermore, the lipid encapsulation and biomimetic cell membrane modification enable CM-LFPP to actively target tumors, leading to a high signal-to-background ratio of ~30.2 for NIR-II photoacoustic imaging. Moreover, the biocompatible CM-LFPP enables low-dose (0.6 W cm−2) photothermal therapy of tumors under 1064 nm laser irradiation. This technology offers a promising theranostic agent with remarkable photothermal conversion efficiency in the NIR-II window, providing highly sensitive photoacoustic/magnetic resonance imaging-guided prostate cancer therapy.

Biomimetic Ghost Nanomedicine-Based Optotheranostics for Cancer

“…Furthermore, CM-LFPP exhibits promising properties as a multifunctional theranostic agent with high sensitivity and specificity for prostate cancer, because it functions as an efficient contrast agent for photoacoustic and magnetic resonance imaging. 44 In conclusion, the integration of optically active biomimetic therapeutic agents, including photosensitizers and photothermal transduction agents, with advanced nanotechnology has revolutionized the field of cancer treatment. These innovative strategies not only enhance the specificity and efficiency of tumor targeting but also minimize side effects and improve patient outcomes.…”

“…The extended retention time of CM-LFPP in the tumor regions is indicative of its active tumor-targeting capability, offering a major benefit for precise detection (Figure B). Furthermore, CM-LFPP exhibits promising properties as a multifunctional theranostic agent with high sensitivity and specificity for prostate cancer, because it functions as an efficient contrast agent for photoacoustic and magnetic resonance imaging …”

“…Furthermore, CM-LFPP exhibits promising properties as a multifunctional theranostic agent with high sensitivity and specificity for prostate cancer, because it functions as an efficient contrast agent for photoacoustic and magnetic resonance imaging. 44 …”

NIR-II Nanoprobes: A Review of Components-Based Approaches to Next-Generation Bioimaging Probes

“…Not only can membrane encapsulation be applied toward the targeting of specific tissue types, but it can also be used for photoacoustic imaging. NIR-II-absorbing polypyrroles enveloped in cancer cell membranes demonstrated a guided PA imaging of tumors in the mouse model [ 138 ]. The NIR-II AIEgen developed by Cui et al afforded a precise, targeted imaging of cancer cells, again using membrane camouflaging [ 139 ].…”