Potential of Polymeric Films Loaded with Gold Nanorods for Local Hyperthermia Applications

Abstract

Current strategies for the treatment of superficial non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) lesions include topical imoquimod, 5-fluorouracil, and photodynamic therapy. Although these treatments are effective, burning pain, blistering, and dermatitis have been reported as frequent side effects, making these therapies far from ideal. Plasmonic materials have been investigated for the induction of hyperthermia and use in cancer treatment. In this sense, the effectiveness of intratumorally and systemically injected gold nanorods (GnRs) in inducing cancer cell death upon near-infrared light irradiation has been confirmed. However, the in vivo long-term toxicity of these particles has not yet been fully documented. In the present manuscript, GnRs were included in a crosslinked polymeric film, evaluating their mechanical, swelling, and adhesion properties; moreover, their ability to heat up neonatal porcine skin (such as a skin model) upon irradiation was tested. Inclusion of GnRs into the films did not affect mechanical or swelling properties. GnRs were not released after film swelling, as they remained entrapped in the polymeric network; moreover, films did not adhere to porcine skin, altogether showing the enhanced biocompatibility of the material. GnR-loaded films were able to heat up the skin model over 40 °C, confirming the potential of this system for non-invasive local hyperthermia applications.

Plasmonic photothermal microneedle arrays and single needles for minimally-invasive deep in-skin hyperthermia

“…In our previous work, GnRs were included in polymeric films made from aqueous blends of Gantrez s S-97 (a copolymer of methyl vinyl ether and maleic acid (PVME/MA) and poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) 200 Da, aiming to induce superficial hyperthermia upon NIR laser irradiation. 27 Films were able to heat a piece of excised neonatal porcine skin (700 mm thickness) up to around 40 1C. Importantly, GnRs were trapped in the crosslinked polymeric network, as shown in release studies, even after immersing the films in PBS for one hour.…”

Hydrogel‐Forming Microneedles: Current Advancements and Future Trends

“…Recently, gold nanorods (GnRs) have been incorporated into HFMs to aid the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancers using near‐infrared radiation. [ 57,91 ] Superficial nonmelanoma skin cancer refers to a group of skin cancers that slowly develop in the upper layers of the skin. Currently, established and effective methods of treatment include topical imiquimod, 5‐fluorouracil, and photodynamic therapy but these come with side effects, such as burning pain, blistering, and dermatitis.…”

“…Currently, established and effective methods of treatment include topical imiquimod, 5‐fluorouracil, and photodynamic therapy but these come with side effects, such as burning pain, blistering, and dermatitis. [ 91 ] Hence, Cárcamo‐Martínez et al. [ 91 ] investigated the use of GnRs contained within crosslinked polymeric films for the induction of hyperthermia to trigger cancer cell death.…”

“…[ 91 ] Hence, Cárcamo‐Martínez et al. [ 91 ] investigated the use of GnRs contained within crosslinked polymeric films for the induction of hyperthermia to trigger cancer cell death. 50 mL GnR solution was mixed into 25 wt% PMVE/MA with 10 wt% PEG ( M W of 200 Da) and cured.…”

“…A more recent use of HFMs is with GnRs to help in skin cancer treatment. [ 91 ] In the view of the authors, HFMs have a high potential for multi‐functional use in medical devices due to their ability to extract ISF, which can be analyzed for diagnosis on‐patch with the use of functionalized electrodes and either simultaneously deliver drugs or use the positive diagnosis to trigger a therapeutic response.…”