Dendrimer-encapsulated naphthalocyanine as a single agent-based theranostic nanoplatform for near-infrared fluorescence imaging and combinatorial anticancer phototherapy

Abstract

Multifunctional theranostic platforms capable of concurrent near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging and phototherapies are strongly desired for cancer diagnosis and treatment. However, the integration of separate imaging and therapeutic components into nanocarriers results in complex theranostic systems with limited translational potential. A single agent-based theranostic nanoplatform, therefore, was developed for concurrent NIR fluorescence imaging and combinatorial phototherapy with dual photodynamic (PDT) and photothermal (PTT) therapeutic mechanisms. The transformation of a substituted silicon naphthalocyanine (SiNc) into a biocompatible nanoplatform (SiNc-NP) was achieved by SiNc encapsulation into the hydrophobic interior of a generation 5 polypropylenimine dendrimer following surface modification with polyethylene glycol. Encapsulation provides aqueous solubility to SiNc and preserves its NIR fluorescence, PDT and PTT properties. Moreover, an impressive photostability in the dendrimer-encapsulated SiNc has been detected. Under NIR irradiation (785 nm, 1.3 W cm(-2)), SiNc-NP manifested robust heat generation capability (ΔT = 40 °C) and efficiently produced reactive oxygen species essential for PTT and PDT, respectively, without releasing SiNc from the nanopaltform. By varying the laser power density from 0.3 W cm(-2) to 1.3 W cm(-2) the therapeutic mechanism of SiNc-NP could be switched from PDT to combinatorial PDT-PTT treatment. In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed that phototherapy mediated by SiNc can efficiently destroy chemotherapy resistant ovarian cancer cells. Remarkably, solid tumors treated with a single dose of SiNc-NP combined with NIR irradiation were completely eradicated without cancer recurrence. Finally, the efficiency of SiNc-NP as an NIR imaging agent was confirmed by recording the strong fluorescence signal in the tumor, which was not photobleached during the phototherapeutic procedure.

ROS-induced nanotherapeutic approach for ovarian cancer treatment based on the combinatorial effect of photodynamic therapy and DJ-1 gene suppression

“…Generation 4 poly(propylene imine) dendrimer (PPIG4) was purchased from SyMO-Chem (Netherlands 26,27,30 Synthesis of the DJ-1 siRNA delivery vehicle (PPI-siRNA) was carried out by first obtaining the PPIG4-siRNA complex via mixing DJ-1 siRNA (10 μM) and PPIG4 (0.33 μg/ml) in milliQ water. The mixture was incubated at room temperature (RT) for 1 h, followed by the addition of MAL-PEG-NHS (0.033 mg/mL).…”

Recent therapeutic applications of the theranostic principle with dendrimers in oncology

“…Taratula et al [76] described the preparation of G5 polypropylenimine (PPI) dendrimer-encapsulated silicon naphthalocyanine (SiNc) as a nanoplatform for NIR fluorescence imaging and combinatorial anticancer phototherapy with dual photodynamic (PDT) and photothermal (PTT) therapeutic mechanisms. Encapsulation of SiNc occurs in the hydrophobic cavity of PPI dendrimers providing its aqueous solubility and its NIR fluorescence, PDT and PTT imaging properties.…”

“…Almutairi et al [46] have developed a biodegradable and noninvasive 76 Br (radiohalogen moiety)-labeled positronemitting dendritic nanoprobe targeting α v β 3 integrin receptors in an angiogenic mouse model. As shown in Fig.…”

Synthesis, characterisation and antimicrobial activity of manganese- and iron-doped zinc oxide nanoparticles

“…It has been noticed that compound naphthalocyanine encapsulated in water soluble polymer dendrimer can be used to kill the tumour and cancer cells in ovarian cancer. [20] The applications of nanomaterials in the food processing and shipping industries have also been reported in literature. [21] Among metal oxide NPs, ZnO NPs have many significant features such as chemical and physical stability, high catalytic activity, effective antibacterial activity as well as intensive ultraviolet (UV) and infrared (IR) adsorption.…”