Dual-Targeting Nanosystem for Enhancing Photodynamic Therapy Efficiency

Abstract

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been recognized as a valuable treatment option for localized cancers. Herein, we demonstrate a cellular and subcellular targeted strategy to facilitate PDT efficacy. The PDT system was fabricated by incorporating a cationic porphyrin derivative (MitoTPP) onto the polyethylene glycol (PEG)-functionalized and folic acid-modified nanographene oxide (NGO). For this PDT system, NGO serves as the carrier for MitoTPP as well as the quencher for MitoTPP's fluorescence and singlet oxygen ((1)O2) generation. Attaching a hydrophobic cation to the photosensitizer ensures its release from NGO at lower pH values as well as its mitochondria-targeting capability. Laser confocal microscope experiments demonstrate that this dual-targeted nanosystem could preferably enter the cancer cells overexpressed with folate receptor, and release its cargo MitoTPP, which subsequently accumulates in mitochondria. Upon light irradiation, the released MitoTPP molecules generate singlet oxygen and cause oxidant damage to the mitochondria. Cell viability assays suggest that the dual-targeted nanohybrids exhibit much higher cytotoxicity toward the FR-positive cells.

A Biotinylated and Endoplasmic Reticulum‐Targeted Glutathione‐Responsive Zinc(II) Phthalocyanine for Targeted Photodynamic Therapy

“…To enhance the PDT selectivity and efficacy,the activetargeting and activatable approachh ave been combined in various nanoplatforms, such as nanogels, graphene oxides, carbon spheres,a nd polymeric nanoparticles. [6] Folate and the cyclic RGD peptide sequence are common tumor-targetingl igands, while variouss timuli including intracellular enzymes (e.g. esterases and cathepsin B) and acid are employed to restore their fluorescencea nd photosensitizing properties.…”

Photosensitizer-Loaded Branched Polyethylenimine-PEGylated Ceria Nanoparticles for Imaging-Guided Synchronous Photochemotherapy

“…8 To increase the water solubility of PSs and facilitate their delivery into cancer cells, various nanocarriers have been actively developed for the delivery of PDT agents. [9][10][11][12][13][14][15] Near-infrared-induced PDT methods that employ special photosensitizers and up-conversion materials have been developed to address limited penetration depth. [16][17][18] However, these efforts remain inadequate for satisfactory progress against deep-seated cancers.…”

Fluorescence and Magnetic Resonance Dual-Modality Imaging-Guided Photothermal and Photodynamic Dual-Therapy with Magnetic Porphyrin-Metal Organic Framework Nanocomposites

“…9, 10-anthracenediyl-bis (methylene) dimalonic acid (ABDA) was used as indicator to verify the 1 O 2 generation capacity of Fe 3 O 4 @C@PMOF because ABDA can react with 1 O 2 irreversibly40. The reaction was monitored by the decreased ABDA absorption at 379 nm.…”

“…The 1 O 2 generation rate ( v ) was calculated as 0.055 min −1 for Fe 3 O 4 @C@PMOF. The 1 O 2 quantum yield is calculated with the equation40:…”