Preparation of Environmentally Responsive PDA&DOX@LAC Live Drug Carrier for synergistic tumor therapy

Abstract

The development of intelligent, environmentally responsive, and biocompatible photothermal system holds significant importance for the photothermal combined therapy of tumors. In this study, inspired by lactobacillus, we prepared a biomimetic nanoplatform, PDA&DOX@LAC, for tumor photothermal-chemotherapy by integrating the chemotherapeutic drug doxorubicin (DOX) with dopamine through oxidative polymerization to form polydopamine on the surface of LAC. The PDA&DOX@LAC nanoplatform not only achieves precise and controlled release of DOX based on the slightly acidic microenvironment of tumor tissues, but also exhibits enzyme-like properties to alleviate tumor hypoxia. Under near-infrared light irradiation, it effectively induces photothermal ablation of tumor cells, enhances cellular uptake of DOX with increasing temperature, and thus efficiently inhibits tumor cell growth. Moreover, in vivo experiments further confirmed that photothermal therapy combined with PDA&DOX@LAC induces tumor cells apoptosis, releases tumor-associated antigens, and is engulfed by dendritic cells, activating cytotoxic T lymphocytes, thereby effectively suppressing tumor growth and prolonging the survival period of 4T1 tumor-bearing mice. Therefore, the PDA&DOX@LAC nanoplatform holds immense potential in precise tumor targeting and photothermal combined therapy, providing valuable insights and theoretical foundations for the development of novel tumor treatment strategies based on endogenous substances within the body.