Dual-function nanostructured lipid carriers to deliver IR780 for breast cancer treatment: Anti-metastatic and photothermal anti-tumor therapy

A promising strategy of surface-modified nanoparticles targeting CXCR4 for precision cancer therapy

Nanoparticle (NP) functionalization with specific ligands enhances targeted cancer therapy and imaging by promoting receptor recognition and improving cellular uptake. This review focuses on recent research exploring the interaction between cancer cell-expressed chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and ligand-conjugated NPs, utilising small molecules, peptides, and antibodies. Active NP targeting has shown improved tumour targeting and reduced toxicity, enabling precision therapy and diagnosis. However, challenges persist in the clinical translation of targeted NPs due to issues with biological response, tumour accumulation, and maintaining NP quality at an industrial scale. Biological and intratumoral barriers further hinder efficient NP accumulation in tumours, hampering translatability. To address these challenges, the academic community is refocusing efforts on understanding NP biological fate and establishing robust preclinical models. Future studies should investigate NP-body interactions, develop computational models, and identify optimal preclinical models. Establishing central NP research databases and fostering collaboration across disciplines is crucial to expediting clinical translation. Overcoming these hurdles will unlock the transformative potential of CXCR4-ligand-NP conjugates in revolutionising cancer treatment.

Investigating Effects of IR-780 in Animal Models of B16-F10 Melanoma: New Approach in Lung Metastasis

IR-780 is a fluorescent marker, photostable and non-toxic, and is widely used in tumor targeting; however, studies on the impact of IR-780 in animal models of B16-F10 melanoma are scarce in the literature. Therefore, this study aims to analyze behavior of this marker in melanoma cells using in vitro and in vivo analyses with fluorescence microscopy to conduct an analysis of cell culture, and an in vivo imaging system for an analysis of cell culture, tumor targeting on animals, and organ examination. In vitro analysis showed that B16-F10 cells at a concentration of 2 × 105 cells.plate-1 allowed a better visualization using 20 μM of IR-780. Furthermore, the location of IR-780 accumulation was confirmed by its fluorescence microscopy. Through in vivo studies, fluorescence was not observed in subcutaneous nodules, and it was found that animals that received intraperitoneal injection of B16-F10 cells presented ascites and did not absorb IR-780. Additionally, animals exhibiting lung metastasis showed fluorescence in ex vivo lung images. Therefore, use of the IR-780 marker for evaluating the progression of tumor growth did not demonstrate efficiency; however, it was effective in diagnosing pulmonary metastatic tumors. Although this marker presented limitations, results of evaluating pulmonary involvement through ex vivo fluorescence imaging were determined based on intensity of fluorescence.

Smart Nanomaterials in Cancer Theranostics: Challenges and Opportunities

Cancer is ranked as the second leading cause of death globally. Traditional cancer therapies including chemotherapy are flawed, with off-target and on-target toxicities on the normal cells, requiring newer strategies to improve cell selective targeting. The application of nanomaterial has been extensively studied and explored as chemical biology tools in cancer theranostics. It shows greater applications toward stability, biocompatibility, and increased cell permeability, resulting in precise targeting, and mitigating the shortcomings of traditional cancer therapies. The nanoplatform offers an exciting opportunity to gain targeting strategies and multifunctionality. The advent of nanotechnology, in particular the development of smart nanomaterials, has transformed cancer diagnosis and treatment. The large surface area of nanoparticles is enough to encapsulate many molecules and the ability to functionalize with various biosubstrates such as DNA, RNA, aptamers, and antibodies, which helps in theranostic action. Comparatively, biologically derived nanomaterials perceive advantages over the nanomaterials produced by conventional methods in terms of economy, ease of production, and reduced toxicity. The present review summarizes various techniques in cancer theranostics and emphasizes the applications of smart nanomaterials (such as organic nanoparticles (NPs), inorganic NPs, and carbon-based NPs). We also critically discussed the advantages and challenges impeding their translation in cancer treatment and diagnostic applications. This review concludes that the use of smart nanomaterials could significantly improve cancer theranostics and will facilitate new dimensions for tumor detection and therapy.

Recent Advances in CXCL12/CXCR4 Antagonists and Nano-Based Drug Delivery Systems for Cancer Therapy

Chemokines can induce chemotactic cell migration by interacting with G protein-coupled receptors to play a significant regulatory role in the development of cancer. CXC chemokine-12 (CXCL12) can specifically bind to CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4) and is closely associated with the progression of cancer via multiple signaling pathways. Over recent years, many CXCR4 antagonists have been tested in clinical trials; however, Plerixafor (AMD3100) is the only drug that has been approved for marketing thus far. In this review, we first summarize the mechanisms that mediate the physiological effects of the CXCL12/CXCR4 axis. Then, we describe the use of CXCL12/CXCR4 antagonists. Finally, we discuss the use of nano-based drug delivery systems that exert action on the CXCL12/CXCR4 biological axis.

A new approach based on CXCR4-targeted combination liposomes for the treatment of liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis results from excessive extracellular matrix accumulation due to injury and leads to cirrhosis, cancer, and death. Herein, we propose a chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4)-targeted combination (CTC) liposomal therapy to treat carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis in a mouse model. This study aims to combine small molecules such as pirfenidone and AMD3100 in a single nanoplatform to investigate their synergistic antifibrotic effects in a setting of CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis. CTC liposomes (CTC lipo) were prepared using the thin-film hydration method. CTC lipo exhibited a spherical shape, and the particle size was recorded at the nanoscale which confirms its appropriateness for in vitro and in vivo applications. CTC lipo had good storage and serum stability. The entrapped drugs in CTC lipo showed reduced toxicity at higher concentrations. CTC lipo displayed CXCR4 mediated cell uptake and were internalized by caveolae-mediated endocytosis. CTC lipo showed CXCR4 targeting and stromal cell-derived factor 1α (SDF1-α)/CXCR4 axis blocking activity. CTC lipo reduced the elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and hydroxyproline (HYP) levels. The histological studies showed improved liver architecture and reduced collagen deposition after treatment. Transforming growth factor β (TGFβ), alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and collagen I were elevated by CCl₄ in comparison with the Sham. Upon CTC liposomal treatment, the quantitative score for the elevated fibrotic proteins such as TGFβ, α-SMA, and collagen I was normalized. CTC lipo displayed significant downregulation of the upregulated TGFβ, α-SMA, collagen I, and P-p38 expressions at the molecular level. The CXCR4 targeted liposomes showed prolonged biodistribution at 24 h. Our findings indicated that CTC lipo might be an alternative antifibrotic therapy that may offer new access to research and development. In a nutshell, the present study suggests that systemic administration of CTC lipo has efficient antifibrotic potential and deserves to be investigated for further clinical applications.

Carrier-Free Delivery of Ultrasmall π-Conjugated Oligomer Nanoparticles with Photothermal Conversion over 80% for Cancer Theranostics

High-performance photothermal theranostics is urgently desired for cancer therapy because of their good controllability and noninvasive features. The relatively low photothermal conversion efficiency is still at the drawbacks because of the absence of efficient extraneous carriers. Herein, a carrier-free nanomedicine is developed to in vivo self-deliver organic photothermal agents for efficient cancer phototheranostics. By a facile self-assembly strategy, the near-infrared (NIR)-absorbing conjugated oligomer IDIC-4F is fabricated into a carrier-free nanoparticle (DCF-P), showing ultrasmall size of nearly 4.0 nm with a nearly 100% of drug loading capacity. Notably, DCF-P achieves a superhigh photothermal conversion efficiency of 80.5% that is far greater than that of IDIC-4F-loaded nanomicelle DCF-M (57.3%). With the guidance of NIR fluorescence and photoacoustic dual-imaging, it is verified that DCF-P could well achieve tumor-preferential accumulation and retention at 4 h postinjection, and meanwhile shows highly efficient in vivo tumor elimination with good biosafety. This study thus contributes a novel concept for designing ultrasmall nanoparticle characteristics of preferential accumulation in tumors, and also provides a strategy for creating high-performance carrier-free nanomedicine via highly ordered molecular stacking.

Photodynamic therapy with the dual-mode association of IR780 to PEG-PLA nanocapsules and the effects on human breast cancer cells

IR780 is a near-infrared fluorescent dye, which can be applied as a photosensitizer in photodynamic (PDT) and photothermal (PTT) therapies and as a biodistribution tracer in imaging techniques. We investigated the growth and migration inhibition and mechanism of death of breast tumor cells, MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231, exposed to polymeric nanocapsules (NC) comprising IR780 covalently linked to the biodegradable polymer PLA (IR-PLA) and IR780 physically encapsulated (IR780-NC) in vitro. Both types of NC had mean diameters around 120 nm and zeta potentials around -40 mV. IR-PLA-NC was less cytotoxic than IR780 NC to a non-tumorigenic mammary epithelial cell line, MCF-10A, which is an important aspect of selectivity. Free-IR780 was more cytotoxic than IR-PLA-NC for MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells after illumination with a 808 nm laser. IR-PLA NC was effective to inhibit colony formation (50%) and migration (30-40%) for both cancer cell lines. MDA-MB-231 cells were less sensitive to all IR780 formulations compared to MCF-7 cells. Cell uptake was higher with IR-PLA-NC than with IR780-NC and free-IR780 in both cancer cell lines (p < 0.05). NC uptake was higher in MCF-7 than in MDA-MB-231 cells. IR-PLA-NC induced a higher percentage of apoptosis upon illumination in MDA-MB-231 than in MCF-7 cells. The necrosis mechanism of death predominated in treatments with free-IR780 and with encapsulated IR780 NC, suggestive of damages at the plasma membrane. IR780 conjugated with PLA increased the apoptotic pathway and demonstrated potential as a multifunctional theranostic agent for breast cancer treatment with increased cellular uptake, photodynamic activity and more reliable tracking in cell-image studies.

Antineoplastics Encapsulated in Nanostructured Lipid Carriers

Ideally, antineoplastic treatment aims to selectively eradicate cancer cells without causing systemic toxicity. A great number of antineoplastic agents (AAs) are available nowadays, with well-defined therapeutic protocols. The poor bioavailability, non-selective action, high systemic toxicity, and lack of effectiveness of most AAs have stimulated the search for novel chemotherapy protocols, including technological approaches that provide drug delivery systems (DDS) for gold standard medicines. Nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) are DDS that contain a core of solid and lipid liquids stabilised by surfactants. NLC have high upload capacity for lipophilic drugs, such as the majority of AAs. These nanoparticles can be prepared with a diversity of biocompatible (synthetic or natural) lipid blends, administered by different routes and functionalised for targeting purposes. This review focused on the research carried out from 2000 to now, regarding NLC formulations for AAs (antimetabolites, antimitotics, alkylating agents, and antibiotics) encapsulation, with special emphasis on studies carried out in vivo. NLC systems for codelivery of AAs were also considered, as well as those for non-classical drugs and therapies (natural products and photosensitisers). NLC have emerged as powerful DDS to improve the bioavailability, targeting and efficacy of antineoplastics, while decreasing their toxic effect in the treatment of different types of cancer.

Supramolecular lipid nanoparticles as delivery carriers for non-invasive cancer theranostics

Nanotheranostics is an emerging frontier of personalized medicine research particularly for cancer, which is the second leading cause of death. Supramolecular aspects in theranostics are quite allured to achieve more regulation and controlled features. Supramolecular nanotheranostics architecture is focused on engineering of modular supramolecular assemblies benefitting from their mutable and stimuli-responsive properties which confer an ultimate potential for the fabrication of unified innovative nanomedicines with controlled features. Amalgamation of supramolecular approaches to nano-based features further equip the potential of designing novel approaches to overcome limitations seen by the conventional theranostic strategies, for curing even the lethal diseases and endowing personalized therapeutics with optimistic prognosis, endorsing their clinical translation. Among many potential nanocarriers for theranostics, lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) have shown various promising advances in theranostics and their formulation can be tailored for several applications. Despite the great advancement in cancer nanotheranostics, there are still many challenges that need to be highlighted to fill the literature gap. For this purpose, herein, we have presented a systematic overview on the subject and proposed LNPs as the potential material to manage cancer via non-invasive approaches by highlighting the use of supramolecular approaches to make them robust for cancer theranostics. We have concluded the review by entailing the future perspectives of lipid nanotheranostics towards clinical translation.

Biomimetic recombinant of red blood cell membranes for improved photothermal therapy

Background

RBC membrane derived nanoparticles (NPs) represent an emerging platform with prolonged circulation capacity for the delivery of active substances. For functionalize derived RBCs NPs, various strategies, such as biomimetic rebuilding of RBCs, chemical modification or inserting ligands, have been carried out to improve their performance. However, one potential adverse effect for these methods is the structural failure of membrane proteins, consequently affecting its original immune escape function.

Results

In this study, we reported a green technology of “disassembly-reassembly” to prepare biomimetic reconstituted RBCs membrane (rRBCs) by separating the endogenous proteins and lipids from nature RBC membrane. IR780 iodide was used as a pattern drug to verify the property and feasibility of rRBCs by constructing IR780@rRBC NPs with IR780@RBC NPs and free IR780 as controls. The results demonstrated the superiority of IR780@rRBC NPs in toxicity, stability, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics compared with IR780@rRBC and free IR780.

Conclusions

The reported “disassembly-reassembly” strategy shows great potential to produce controllable and versatile rRBC membrane-inspired delivery platform, which may be used to overcome the deficiency of functionalization in cell membrane coated nanoparticles .

Graphic abstract

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12951-021-00949-7.

Recent Progress in Lipid Nanoparticles for Cancer Theranostics: Opportunity and Challenges

Cancer is one of the major leading causes of mortality in the world. The implication of nanotherapeutics in cancer has garnered splendid attention owing to their capability to efficiently address various difficulties associated with conventional drug delivery systems such as non-specific biodistribution, poor efficacy, and the possibility of occurrence of multi-drug resistance. Amongst a plethora of nanocarriers for drugs, this review emphasized lipidic nanocarrier systems for delivering anticancer therapeutics because of their biocompatibility, safety, high drug loading and capability to simultaneously carrying imaging agent and ligands as well. Furthermore, to date, the lack of interaction between diagnosis and treatment has hampered the efforts of the nanotherapeutic approach alone to deal with cancer effectively. Therefore, a novel paradigm with concomitant imaging (with contrasting agents), targeting (with biomarkers), and anticancer agent being delivered in one lipidic nanocarrier system (as cancer theranostics) seems to be very promising in overcoming various hurdles in effective cancer treatment. The major obstacles that are supposed to be addressed by employing lipidic theranostic nanomedicine include nanomedicine reach to tumor cells, drug internalization in cancer cells for therapeutic intervention, off-site drug distribution, and uptake via the host immune system. A comprehensive account of recent research updates in the field of lipidic nanocarrier loaded with therapeutic and diagnostic agents is covered in the present article. Nevertheless, there are notable hurdles in the clinical translation of the lipidic theranostic nanomedicines, which are also highlighted in the present review along with plausible countermeasures.

Advancement in design of nanostructured lipid carriers for cancer targeting and theranostic application

BACKGROUND

Cancer development is associated with abnormal, uncontrolled cell growth and causes significant economic and social burdens to society. The global statistics of different cancers have been increasing because of the aging population, and the increasing prevalence of risk factors such as stress condition, overweight, changing reproductive patterns, and smoking. The prognosis of cancer treatment is high, if diagnosed in the early stage. Late-stage diagnosis, however, is still a big challenge for the clinician. The usual treatment scheme involves chemotherapy and surgery followed by radiotherapy.

SCOPE OF REVIEW

Chemotherapy is the most widely used therapeutic approach against cancer. However, it suffers from the major limitation of poor delivery of anticancer therapeutics to specific cancer-targeted tissues/cells.

MAJOR CONCLUSIONS

Nanomedicines, particularly nanostructured lipid carriers (NLCs) can improve the efficacy of encapsulated payload either through an active or passive targeting approach against different cancers. The targeted nanomedicine can be helpful in transporting drug carriers to the specifically tumor-targeted tissue/cells while sparing abstaining from the healthy tissue/cells. The active targeting utilizes the binding of a specific cancer ligand to the surface of the NLCs, which improves the therapeutic efficacy and safety of the cancer therapeutics.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

This review shed light on the utilization of NLCs system for targeted therapy in different cancers. Furthermore, modification of NLCs as cancer theranostics is a recent advancement that is also discussed in the manuscript with a review of contemporary research carried out in this field.

IR780-based nanomaterials for cancer imaging and therapy

IR780, a small molecule with a strong optical property and excellent photoconversion efficiency following near infrared (NIR) irradiation, has attracted increasing attention in the field of cancer treatment and imaging. This review is focused on different IR780-based nanoplatforms and the application of IR780-based nanomaterials for cancer bioimaging and therapy. Thus, this review summarizes the overall aspects of IR780-based nanomaterials that positively impact cancer biomedical applications.

Nanotechnology-Based Strategies to Evaluate and Counteract Cancer Metastasis and Neoangiogenesis

Cancer metastasis is the major cause of cancer-related morbidity and mortality. It represents one of the greatest challenges in cancer therapy, both because of the ability of metastatic cells to spread into different organs, and because of the consequent heterogeneity that characterizes primary and metastatic tumors. Nanomaterials can potentially be used as targeting or detection agents owing to unique chemical and physical features that allow tailored and tunable theranostic functions. This review highlights nanomaterial-based approaches in the detection and treatment of cancer metastasis, with a special focus on the evaluation of nanostructure effects on cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis in the tumor microenvironment.

Development and Evaluation of 1'-Acetoxychavicol Acetate (ACA)-Loaded Nanostructured Lipid Carriers for Prostate Cancer Therapy

1'-acetoxychavicol acetate (ACA) extracted from the rhizomes of Alpinia conchigera Griff (Zingiberaceae) has been shown to deregulate the NF-ĸB signaling pathway and induce apoptosis-mediated cell death in many cancer types. However, ACA is a hydrophobic ester, with poor solubility in an aqueous medium, limited bioavailability, and nonspecific targeting in vivo. To address these problems, ACA was encapsulated in a nanostructured lipid carrier (NLC) anchored with plerixafor octahydrochloride (AMD3100) to promote targeted delivery towards C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4)-expressing prostate cancer cells. The NLC was prepared using the melt and high sheer homogenization method, and it exhibited ideal physico-chemical properties, successful encapsulation and modification, and sustained rate of drug release. Furthermore, it demonstrated time-based and improved cellular uptake, and improved cytotoxic and anti-metastatic properties on PC-3 cells in vitro. Additionally, the in vivo animal tumor model revealed significant anti-tumor efficacy and reduction in pro-tumorigenic markers in comparison to the placebo, without affecting the weight and physiological states of the nude mice. Overall, ACA-loaded NLC with AMD3100 surface modification was successfully prepared with evidence of substantial anti-cancer efficacy. These results suggest the potential use of AMD3100-modified NLCs as a targeting carrier for cytotoxic drugs towards CXCR4-expressing cancer cells.

Cetuximab functionalization strategy for combining active targeting and antimigration capacities of a hybrid composite nanoplatform applied to deliver 5-fluorouracil: toward colorectal cancer treatment

Antibody-functionalized targeted nanocarriers to deliver chemotherapeutics have been widely explored. However, it remains highly desirable to understand and apply the antitumor potential of antibodies integrated in hybrid composite nanoplatforms. Herein, mesoporous silica nanoparticles, a supported lipid bilayer and cetuximab were integrated to fabricate a hybrid nanoplatform for effectively encapsulating and selectively delivering 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) against colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. The specially designed nanoplatform exhibited superior properties, such as satisfying size distribution, dispersity and stability, drug encapsulation, controlled release, and cellular uptake. Interestingly, the modification of cetuximab onto nanoplatforms without drug loading can significantly inhibit the migration and invasion of CRC cells through suppressing the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-associated signaling pathway. Furthermore, delivery of 5-FU by using this nanoplatform can remarkably induce cytotoxicity, cell cycle arrest, and cell apoptosis for CRC cells with high EGFR expression. Overall, this nanostructured platform can dramatically improve the tumor killing effects of encapsulated chemotherapeutics and present antimigration effects derived from the antibody modified on it. Moreover, in vivo biodistribution experiments demonstrated the superior tumor targeting ability of the targeted nanoparticles. Thus, this targeted nanoplatform has substantial potential in combinational therapy of antibodies and chemotherapy agents against colorectal cancer.

Release, transfer and partition of fluorescent dyes from polymeric nanocarriers to serum proteins monitored by asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation

Fluorescent probes are used in drug nanocarrier pre-clinical studies or as active compounds in theranostics and photodynamic therapy. In the biological medium, nanoparticles interact with proteins, which can result in the off-target release of their cargo. The present study used asymmetric flow field-flow fractionation with online multi-angle laser light scattering and fluorescence detection (AF4-MALLS-FLD) to study the release, transfer, and partition of fluorescent dyes from polymeric nanoparticles (NP). NP formulations containing the dyes Rose Bengal, Rhodamine B, DiI, 3-(α-azidoacetyl)coumarin and its polymer conjugate, Nile Red, and IR780 and its polymer conjugate were prepared. NP suspensions were incubated in a medium with serum proteins and then analyzed by AF4. AF4 allowed efficient separation of proteins (< 10 nm) from fluorescently labeled NP (range of 54 - 180 nm in diameters). The AF4 analyses showed that some dyes, such as Rose Bengal, IR780, and Coumarin were transferred to a high extent (68-77%) from NP to proteins. By contrast, for DiI and dye-polymer conjugates, transfer occured to a lower extent. The studies of dye release kinetics showed that the transfer of IR780 from NP to proteins occurs at a high extent (~50%) and rate, while Nile Red was slowly released from the NP over time with reduced association with proteins (~20%). This experiment assesses the stability of fluorescence labeling of nanocarriers and probes the transfer of fluorescent dyes from NP to proteins, which is otherwise not accessible with commonly used techniques of separation, such as dialysis and ultrafiltration/centrifugation employed in drug encapsulation and release studies of nanocarriers. Determining the interaction and transfer of dyes to proteins is of utmost importance in the pre-clinical evaluation of drug nanocarriers for improved correlation between in vitro and in vivo studies.

Quantitative measurements of IR780 in formulations and tissues

PURPOSE

IR780 iodide, a promising near-infrared dye, is widely used to prepare nanoparticles as a theranostic agent for tumor imaging and therapy. However, there are no validated (bio)analytical methods to measure IR780 in nanoparticles and tissues in literature. The aim of this study is to develop and validate a new HPLC method to measure IR780 concentration in IR780 formulations as well as a new LC-MS/MS method to measure IR780 concentration in tissue samples, particularly in liver and lung.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

IR780 granules that produced IR780 in situ self-assembled nanoparticles upon contact with water were prepared at two drug loadings (0.2 % and 0.37 %). An HPLC method was developed and validated to measure IR780 concentrations in IR780 granules and nanoparticles. Furthermore, a validated LC-MS/MS method was developed to measure IR780 in mouse liver and lung. Both HPLC method and LC-MS/MS method were validated in terms of specificity, stability, linearity, limit of detection, limit of quantification, accuracy and precision.

RESULTS

Both HPLC method and LC-MS/MS method achieved the criteria for method validation. The HPLC method was accurate in the concentration range of 0.5-25 μg/mL. The measured drug loadings were 95 % of the theoretical drug loadings. The validated LC-MS/MS method can quantitatively measure the concentrations of IR780 in liver and lung. The linear range of the LC-MS/MS method was 1-1000 ng/mL for both liver and lung samples. IR780 granules showed the lung selectivity compared to IR780 solution at 2 h after oral administration.

CONCLUSION

A validated HPLC method was developed to measure IR780 concentration in pharmaceutical formulations and a validated LC-MS/MS method was developed to measure IR780 concentration in tissues. These quantitative methods provide reliable measurements of IR780 in pharmaceutic formulations and biological samples, which will significantly facilitate the research of IR780 as a theranostic agent for cancer therapy and imaging.

A Cu9S5 nanoparticle-based CpG delivery system for synergistic photothermal-, photodynamic- and immunotherapy

Despite its great potential in cancer therapy, phototherapy, including photothermal therapy (PTT) and photodynamic therapy (PDT), often cause metastasis of tumors. Immunotherapy has revolutionized the cancer treatment owing to the capability of activating immune system to eliminate tumors. However, the integration of phototherapy and immunotherapy in a single nanoagent for cancer therapy is still a challenging task. Here, we fabricated (Cu₉S₅@mSiO₂-PpIX@MnO₂@CpG (CSPM@CpG)) as a synergistic therapeutic model for phototherapy enhanced immunotherapy. The intracellular uptake of cytosine-phosphate-guanine (CpG) promoted the infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) in tumor tissue, further stimulating the production of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) and remarkably elevating the immune response level. Excellent anti-tumor effects have been achieved by synergistic PTT/PDT/immunotherapy. The metastasis of tumors was effectively inhibited by the immune response of CpG. Thus, our proposed work provides a strategy to combine phototherapy with immunotherapy to enhance the therapeutic efficiency and further inhibit metastasis of tumors.

CpG oligonucleotides can stimulate an anticancer immune response. Zhou et al. now develop nanoparticles that can deliver CpG, which promotes cancer cell death after photothermal and photodynamic therapy in vitro and in vivo, concomitant with an immunological response.

Ferulic Acid-NLC with Lavandula Essential Oil: A Possible Strategy for Wound-Healing?

Nowadays, an increasing interest in combinatorial drug delivery systems is emerging, highlighting the possibility of exploiting essential oils (EO) for topical applications. This work aimed at developing nanostructured lipid carriers (NLC) for the combined delivery of ferulic acid and Lavandula EO, whose beneficial effects in wound-healing processes have been widely reported. Homogeneous (polydispersity index, PDI < 0.2) nanoparticles with a small size (<150 nm) and a high encapsulation efficiency (>85%) were obtained. The co-presence of ferulic acid and Lavandula EO, as compared to synthetic isopropyl myristate-based NLC, increased nanoparticles’ stability, due to higher ordering chains, as confirmed by morphological and physicochemical studies. An enhanced cytocompatibility was observed when combining ferulic acid and Lavandula EO, as confirmed by in vitro studies on fibroblasts. Furthermore, the combined delivery of ferulic acid and Lavandula EO significantly promoted cell migration with higher effectiveness in respect to the free drug solution and the carrier without the EO. Taken all together, our results suggest a potential combined effect of the antioxidant ferulic acid and Lavandula EO co-delivered in lipid nanoparticles in promoting cell proliferation and migration, representing a promising strategy in the treatment of wounds.

Prototypic Heptamethine Cyanine Incorporating Nanomaterials for Cancer Phototheragnostic

Developing technologies that allow the simultaneous diagnosis and treatment of cancer (theragnostic) has been the quest of numerous interdisciplinary research teams. In this context, nanomaterials incorporating prototypic near infrared (NIR)-light responsive heptamethine cyanines have been showing very promising results for cancer theragnostic. The precisely engineered features of these nanomaterials endow them with the ability to achieve a high tumor accumulation, enabling a tumor's visualization by NIR fluorescence and photoacoustic imaging modalities. Upon interaction with NIR light, the tumor-homed heptamethine cyanine-incorporating nanomaterials can also produce a photothermal/photodynamic effect with a high spatio-temporal resolution and minimal side effects, leading to an improved therapeutic outcome. This progress report analyses the application of nanomaterials incorporating prototypic NIR-light responsive heptamethine cyanines (IR775, IR780, IR783, IR797, IR806, IR808, IR820, IR825, IRDye 800CW, and Cypate) for cancer photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, and imaging. Overall, the continuous development of nanomaterials incorporating the prototypic NIR absorbing heptamethine cyanines will cement their phototheragnostic capabilities.

Recent Trends of the Bio-Inspired Nanoparticles in Cancer Theranostics

In recent years, various nanomaterials have emerged as an exciting tool in cancer theranostic applications due to their multifunctional property and intrinsic molecular property aiding effective diagnosis, imaging, and successful therapy. However, chemically synthesized nanoparticles have several issues related to the cost, toxicity and effectiveness. In this context, bio-inspired nanoparticles (NPs) held edges over conventionally synthesized nanoparticles due to their low cost, easy synthesis and low toxicity. In this present review article, a detailed overview of the cancer theranostics applications of various bio-inspired has been provided. This includes the recent examples of liposomes, lipid nanoparticles, protein nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, and viral nanoparticles. Finally, challenges and the future scopes of these NPs in cancer therapy and diagnostics applications are highlighted.

CXCR4-Receptor-Targeted Liposomes for the Treatment of Peritoneal Fibrosis

Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is a common complication of long-term peritoneal dialysis (PD). It is considered as the main reason for dialysis inadequacy and PD withdrawal. Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) regulates the expression of stromal cell-derived factor 1 (SDF-1α) and its receptor C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) on human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs), resulting in an increased migratory potential of HPMCs and extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition in the scar tissue and eventually fibrosis. Because SDF-1α/CXCR4 activation has a vital role in the pathogenesis of PF, codelivery of a CXCR4-receptor targeting agent with an antifibrotic agent in a single nanocarrier can be a promising strategy for treating PF. Here, for the first time, AMD3100 (AMD), a CXCR4-receptor antagonist, was coformulated with sulfotanshinone IIA sodium (STS IIA) into a liposome (STS-AMD-Lips) to develop a CXCR4 receptor targeting form of combination therapy for PF. CXCR4 targeting increased the ability of liposomes to target fibrotic peritoneal mesothelial cells overexpressing CXCR4 and facilitated the ability of STS IIA treatment at the fibrotic site. The liposome had an average diameter of 103 nm with encapsulated efficiencies of above 50%. The in vivo studies confirmed the reversal of PD solution-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition by STS-AMD-Lips in HPMCs. The in vivo studies also revealed the precise biodistribution of the liposomes to peritoneum. Significant reduction of the morphological lesions and decreased level of ECM proteins were observed in rats treated with STS-AMD-Lips, proving that the liposomal nanocarrier has excellent ability to reverse PF. It has been concluded that the STS-AMD-Lips exhibit specific peritoneal targeting ability and could be used to improve STS-AMD combination delivery for the treatment of PF.

Hybrid curcumin-phospholipid complex-near-infrared dye oral drug delivery system to inhibit lung metastasis of breast cancer

Background: Oral route of administration is preferred for treating breast cancer, especially when continued disease management with good tolerability is required; however, orally administered chemotherapeutics combined with near-infrared (NIR) dyes are hindered by the low bioavailability, insufficient for the desired therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we developed a hybrid self-microemulsifying drug delivery system for co-loading curcumin–phospholipid complex and NIR dye IR780 (CUR/IR780@SMEDDS), to achieve combined phototherapeutic and chemotherapeutic effects against lung metastasis of breast cancer.

Methods: CUR/IR780@SMEDDS were characterized. The efficacy against breast cancer metastasis was evaluated by photothermal and photodynamic assessment, cytotoxicity, invasion, and migration in metastatic 4T1 breast cancer cells in vitro, and in vivo oral bioavailability study in rats and pharmacodynamics studies in tumor-bearing nude mice.

Results: CUR/IR780@SMEDDS improved oral bioavailability of curcumin and IR780 in rats compared with curcumin and IR780 suspensions. CUR/IR780@SMEDDS exhibited remarkable photothermal and photodynamic effects in vitro. In metastatic 4T1 breast cancer cells, CUR/IR780@SMEDDS combined with localized NIR laser irradiation induced significant cytotoxicity and inhibited invasion and migration of 4T1 cells, an outcome attributable to cumulative effects of IR780-induced hyperthermia and pharmacological effects of curcumin. In orthotopic 4T1 tumor-bearing nude mice, combination of oral administration of CUR/IR780@SMEDDS with local NIR laser irradiation inhibited tumor progression and suppressed lung metastasis.

Dual blockade of CXCL12-CXCR4 and PD-1-PD-L1 pathways prolongs survival of ovarian tumor-bearing mice by prevention of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment

Blockade of immune-checkpoint programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) or programmed cell death ligand 1 can enhance effector T-cell responses. However, the lack of response in many patients to checkpoint-inhibitor therapies emphasizes the need for combination immunotherapies to pursue maximal antitumor efficacy. We have previously demonstrated that antagonism of C-X-C chemokine receptor type 4 (CXCR4) by plerixafor (AMD3100) can decrease regulatory T (T_reg)-cell intratumoral infiltration. Therefore, a combination of these 2 therapies might increase antitumor effects. Here, we evaluated the antitumor efficacy of AMD3100 and anti-PD-1 (αPD-1) antibody alone or in combination in an immunocompetent syngeneic mouse model of ovarian cancer. We found that AMD3100, a highly specific CXCR4 antagonist, directly down-regulated the expression of both C-X-C motif chemokine 12 (CXCL12) and CXCR4 in vitro and in vivo in tumor cells. AMD3100 and αPD-1 significantly inhibited tumor growth and prolonged the survival of tumor-bearing mice when given as monotherapy. Combination of these 2 agents significantly enhanced antitumor effects compared with single-agent administration. Benefits of tumor control and animal survival were associated with immunomodulation mediated by these 2 agents, which were characterized by increased effector T-cell infiltration, increased effector T-cell function, and increased memory T cells in tumor microenvironment. Intratumoral T_reg cells were decreased, and conversion of T_reg cells into T helper cells was increased by AMD3100 treatment. Intratumoral myeloid-derived suppressor cells were decreased by the combined treatment, which was associated with decreased IL-10 and IL-6 in the ascites. Also, the combination therapy decreased suppressive leukocytes and facilitated M2-to-M1 macrophage polarization in the tumor. These results suggest that AMD3100 could be used to target the CXCR4-CXCL12 axis to inhibit tumor growth and prevent multifaceted immunosuppression alone or in combination with αPD-1 in ovarian cancer, which could be clinically relevant to patients with this disease.-Zeng, Y., Li, B., Liang, Y., Reeves, P. M., Qu, X., Ran, C., Liu, Q., Callahan, M. V., Sluder, A. E., Gelfand, J. A., Chen, H., Poznansky, M. C. Dual blockade of CXCL12-CXCR4 and PD-1-PD-L1 pathways prolongs survival of ovarian tumor-bearing mice by prevention of immunosuppression in the tumor microenvironment.

CXCR4-targeted liposomal mediated co-delivery of pirfenidone and AMD3100 for the treatment of TGFβ-induced HSC-T6 cells activation

Background: Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease associated with an excessive accumulation of extracellualr matrix (ECM) proteins which ultimately lead to cirrohosis and hepatocellular carcinoma.

Purpose: Liver fibrosis therapies that use combination approaches with the ability to affect multiple disease pathways have proven higher efficacies. This study aimed at optimizing and characterizing the co-encapsulation of pirfenidone (PF) and AMD3100 (AMD) into CXCR4-targeted combination liposomes (CTC liposome) for CXCR4 targeting, and the inhibition of major molecular culprits ie α-SMA, CXCR4, TGFβ, and P-p38 involved in liver fibrosis in-vitro.

Methods: The CTC liposomes were prepared using the thin-film hydration method. The concentration of encapsulated AMD and PF was measured by HPLC and UV spectrophotometry, respectively. Tramsmission electron microscopy (TEM) was used to determine the liposomal morphology. The CXCR4 targeting ability was determined by CXCR4 redistribution assay. Confocal microscopy and flowcytometry were used to determine the CXCR4 mediated cell uptake. The apoptosis inducing and protein downreguating ability of CTC liposomes were determined by apoptosis assay and western blot analysis, respectively. In-vivo biodistribution and Hoechst staining were used to confirm the feasibility of CTC liposome for the in-vivo applications and drug targeted accumulation, respectively.

Results: The TEM studies revealed that CTC liposomes were spherical in shape. The cumulative release of AMD and PF from CTC liposome was 67% and 84%, respectively, at 48 h. Compared to the free drug counterparts, encapsulated drugs displayed higher cell viability. The CXCR4 redistribution assay confirmed the CXCR4 targeting and antagonistic ability of CTC liposomes. The CTC liposomes were internalized more effectively via caveolae-mediated endocytic pathways. CTC liposomes displayed aggressive apoptosis (87.3%) in TGFβ-induced activated HSC-T6 cells suggesting a propensity to fibrosis regression. Also, CTC liposomes significantly reduced α-SMA (65%), CXCR4 (77%), TGFβ (89%), and P-p38 (66%) expressions, better than free drugs. CTC@IR780 liposomes (CTC liposomes incorporating IR780 dye) were more accumulated in fibrotic livers compared to free IR780, as judged by in-vivo imaging, biodistribution analysis, and Hoechst staining. These findings suggest that this simple and stable CTC liposomal system holds a great promise for the treatment and prevention of liver fibrosis.

IR780-loaded folate-targeted nanoparticles for near-infrared fluorescence image-guided surgery and photothermal therapy in ovarian cancer

Background and purpose: Surgery is regarded as the gold standard for patients with advanced ovarian cancer. However, complete surgical removal of tumors remains extremely challenging; fewer than 40% of patients are cured. Here, we developed a new modality of theranostics for ovarian cancer based on a near-infrared light-triggered nanoparticle. Methods: Nanoparticles loading IR780 iodide on base of folate modified liposomes were prepared and used for theranostics of ovarian cancer. Tumor targeting of FA-IR780-NP was evaluated in vitro and in an ovarian xenograft tumor model. A fluorescence stereomicroscope was applied to evaluate the tumor recognition of FA-IR780-NP during surgery. FA-IR780-NP mediated photothermal therapy effect was compared with other treatments in vivo. Results: FA-IR780-NP was demonstrated to specifically accumulate in tumors. IR780 iodide selectively accumulated in tumors; the enhanced permeability and retention effect of the nanoparticles and the active targeting of folate contributed to the excellent tumor targeting of FA-IR780-NP. With the aid of tumor targeting, FA-IR780-NP could be used as an indicator for the real-time delineation of tumor margins during surgery. Furthermore, photothermal therapy mediated by FA-IR780-NP effectively eradicated ovarian cancer tumors compared with other groups. Conclusion: In this study, we present a potential, effective approach for ovarian cancer treatment through near-infrared fluorescence image-guided resection and photothermal therapy to eliminate malignant tissue.

Current Trends in Cancer Nanotheranostics: Metallic, Polymeric, and Lipid-Based Systems

Theranostics has emerged in recent years to provide an efficient and safer alternative in cancer management. This review presents an updated description of nanotheranostic formulations under development for skin cancer (including melanoma), head and neck, thyroid, breast, gynecologic, prostate, and colon cancers, brain-related cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. With this focus, we appraised the clinical advantages and drawbacks of metallic, polymeric, and lipid-based nanosystems, such as low invasiveness, low toxicity to the surrounding healthy tissues, high precision, deeper tissue penetration, and dosage adjustment in a real-time setting. Particularly recognizing the increased complexity and multimodality in this area, multifunctional hybrid nanoparticles, comprising different nanomaterials and functionalized with targeting moieties and/or anticancer drugs, present the best characteristics for theranostics. Several examples, focusing on their design, composition, imaging and treatment modalities, and in vitro and in vivo characterization, are detailed herein. Briefly, all studies followed a common trend in the design of these theranostics modalities, such as the use of materials and/or drugs that share both inherent imaging (e.g., contrast agents) and therapeutic properties (e.g., heating or production reactive oxygen species). This rationale allows one to apparently overcome the heterogeneity, complexity, and harsh conditions of tumor microenvironments, leading to the development of successful targeted therapies.

Near-infrared-induced IR780-loaded PLGA nanoparticles for photothermal therapy to treat breast cancer metastasis in bones

Nanodrug-based cancer therapy, especially when treating bone metastases, faces the problem of limited therapeutic efficacy. In this work, we reported a photothermally triggered nanomaterial based on IR780-entrapped poly-lactide-co-glycolide (PLGA) nanoparticles (IR780@PLGA NPs) for the photothermal therapy of bone metastases of breast cancer, in which IR780 converted light into heat to play a role in “burning” the tumors. Anti-tumor therapy studies showed the impressive effectiveness of IR780@PLGA NPs in the photothermal therapy (PTT) of bone metastases. As a result, the IR780@PLGA NPs show a great potential for controlling the bone metastases of breast cancer.

A schematic of PTT using IR780@PLGA NPs with NIR laser-controlled IR780 release.

Bifunctional scaffolds for the photothermal therapy of breast tumor cells and adipose tissue regeneration

Breast cancer is a major public health issue, whose morbidity and mortality are increasing across the world. It is still a challenge to completely ablate breast tumor cells and reconstruct tumor-initiated breast defects after surgical resection. Porous scaffolds with hyperthermal and tissue regeneration functions are a desirable option to achieve these effects. In this study, bifunctional composite porous scaffolds of gold nanorods (AuNRs) and gelatin with well controlled pore structures were prepared by introducing AuNRs into the porous matrices of gelatin and using ice particulates as a porogen material. The AuNRs-gelatin composite scaffolds exhibited a high photothermal conversion effect, whose photothermal temperature could be modulated by the amount of incorporated AuNRs, NIR laser power intensity and irradiation time. The AuNRs-gelatin composite scaffolds exhibited an excellent photothermal ablation capacity toward breast tumor cells in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, the AuNRs-gelatin porous scaffolds supported cell adhesion and promoted the proliferation and adipogenic differentiation of human bone-marrow derived mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs). Consequently, the AuNRs-gelatin scaffolds could not only provide photothermal therapy for breast tumors but also promote the adipogenic differentiation of stem cells for adipose tissue regeneration.

Recent progress in the engineering of multifunctional colloidal nanoparticles for enhanced photodynamic therapy and bioimaging

This up-to-date review summarizes the design and current fabrication strategies that have been employed in the area of mono- and multifunctional colloidal nanoparticles - nanocarriers well suited for photodynamic therapy (PDT) and diagnostic purposes. Rationally engineered photosensitizer (PS)-loaded nanoparticles may be achieved via either noncovalent (i.e., self-aggregation, interfacial deposition, interfacial polymerization, or core-shell entrapment along with physical adsorption) or covalent (chemical immobilization or conjugation) processes. These PS loading approaches should provide chemical and physical stability to PS payloads. Their hydrophilic surfaces, capable of appreciable surface interactions with biological systems, can be further modified using functional groups (stealth effect) to achieve prolonged circulation in the body after administration and/or grafted by targeting agents (such as ligands, which bind to specific receptors uniquely expressed on the cell surface) or stimuli (e.g., pH, temperature, and light)-responsive moieties to improve their action and targeting efficiency. These attempts may in principle permit efficacious PDT, combination therapies, molecular diagnosis, and - in the case of nanotheranostics - simultaneous monitoring and treatment. Nanophotosensitizers (nano-PSs) should possess appropriate morphologies, sizes, unimodal distributions and surface processes to be successfully delivered to the place of action after systemic administration and should be accumulated in certain tumors by passive and/or active targeting. Additionally, physically facilitating drug delivery systems emerge as a promising approach to enhancing drug delivery, especially for the non-invasive treatment of deep-seated malignant tissues. Recent advances in nano-PSs are scrutinized, with an emphasis on design principles, via the promising use of colloid chemistry and nanotechnology.

Near-infrared light-activated IR780-loaded liposomes for anti-tumor angiogenesis and Photothermal therapy

Tumor angiogenesis is a key step in the process of tumor development, and antitumor angiogenesis has a profound influence on tumor growth. Herein we report a dual-function drug delivery system comprising a Near-infrared (NIR) dye and an anti-angiogenic drug within liposomes (Lip-IR780-Sunitinib) for enhanced antitumor therapy. The hydrophobic NIR dye IR780 was loaded into the liposome phospholipid bilayer, and the bilayer would be disrupted by laser irradiation so that anti-angiogenic drug sunitinib release would be activated remotely at the tumor site. The released hydrophilic sunitinib could potentially target multiple VEGF receptors on the tumor endothelial cell surface to inhibit angiogenesis. Meanwhile, IR780-loaded liposomes kill the cancer cells by photothermal therapy. Lip-IR780-Sunitinib exhibited enhanced anti-tumor and anti-angiogenic effects in vitro and in vivo. This system facilitates easy and controlled release of cargos to achieve anti-tumor angiogenesis and photothermal therapy.

Tumor-targeting CuS nanoparticles for multimodal imaging and guided photothermal therapy of lymph node metastasis

Precise diagnosis of lymph node metastasis to guide lymphadenectomy is highly important for gastric cancer therapy in clinics. Though surgical dissection of regional metastatic lymph nodes remains the only way for gastric cancer therapy, the extended dissection may cause unavoidable postoperative risk of complications. It is still lack of effective method enabling the accurate removal of metastatic gastric cancer cells in lymph nodes with minimum injuries to normal tissue. Herein, we report a new fluorescent copper sulfide (CuS) nanoparticle (RGD-CuS-Cy5.5) enabling both non-invasive multimodality imaging and targeting photothermal therapy (PTT) of metastatic gastric cancer cells in lymph nodes. We demonstrate that RGD-CuS-Cy5.5 can easily drain into sentinel lymph nodes (SLN) after injection into primary tumors, and selectively enter into metastatic gastric MNK45 tumor cells via α_vβ₃ integrin-mediated endocytosis. The resulting strong near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence and computed tomography (CT) contrast in metastatic SLN compared to normal SLN can precisely differentiate SLN metastasis of gastric cancers. Guided by the imaging, localized PTT with RGD-CuS-Cy5.5 is conducted upon irradiation with an 808 nm laser, resulting in complete removal of metastatic gastric tumor cells in SLN without obvious toxicity. Moreover, RGD-CuS-Cy5.5 can also allow for the rapid and non-invasive self-monitoring of PTT efficacy against metastatic SLNs in living mice. This study highlights the potential of using RGD-CuS-Cy5.5 for imaging-guided and targeting PTT of SLN metastasis in vivo, which may be applicable for the metastatic gastric cancer therapy in clinics.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

RGD-CuS-Cy5.5 nanoparticles possess NIR fluorescence and CT signals for in vivo bimodality imaging of lymph node metastasis. Strong photothermal property under irradiation at 808 nm for efficient PTT. Easy drain into sentinel lymph nodes and selective enter metastatic gastric cancer cells via α_vβ₃ integrin-mediated endocytosis. Rapid and non-invasive monitoring of therapeutic efficacy against lymph node metastasis.

Promise of chemokine network-targeted nanoparticles in combination nucleic acid therapies of metastatic cancer

Chemokines and chemokine receptors play key roles in cancer progression and metastasis. Although multiple chemokines and chemokine receptors have been investigated, inhibition of CXCR4 emerged as one of the most promising approaches in combination cancer therapy, especially when focused on the metastatic disease. Small RNA molecules, such as small interfering RNA (siRNA) and microRNA (miRNA), represent new class of therapeutics for cancer treatment through RNA interference-mediated gene silencing. However, the clinical applicability of siRNA and miRNA is severely limited by the lack of effective delivery systems. There is a significant therapeutic potential for CXCR4-targeted nanomedicines in combination with the delivery of siRNA and miRNA in cancer. Recently developed CXCR4-targeted polymeric drugs and nanomedicines, including cyclam- and chloroquine-based polymeric CXCR4 antagonists are introduced here and their ability to deliver functional siRNA and miRNA is discussed. This article is categorized under: Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology.

A Lipophilic IR-780 Dye-Encapsulated Zwitterionic Polymer-Lipid Micellar Nanoparticle for Enhanced Photothermal Therapy and NIR-Based Fluorescence Imaging in a Cervical Tumor Mouse Model

To prolong blood circulation and avoid the triggering of immune responses, nanoparticles in the bloodstream require conjugation with polyethylene glycol (PEG). However, PEGylation hinders the interaction between the nanoparticles and the tumor cells and therefore limits the applications of PEGylated nanoparticles for therapeutic drug delivery. To overcome this limitation, zwitterionic materials can be used to enhance the systemic blood circulation and tumor-specific delivery of hydrophobic agents such as IR-780 iodide dye for photothermal therapy. Herein, we developed micellar nanoparticles using the amphiphilic homopolymer poly(12-(methacryloyloxy)dodecyl phosphorylcholine) (PCB-lipid) synthesized via reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) polymerization. The PCB-lipid can self-assemble into micelles and encapsulate IR-780 dye (PCB-lipid–IR-780). Our results demonstrated that PCB-lipid–IR-780 nanoparticle (NP) exhibited low cytotoxicity and remarkable photothermal cytotoxicity to cervical cancer cells (TC-1) upon near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation. The biodistribution of PCB-lipid–IR-780 showed higher accumulation of PCB-lipid–IR-780 than that of free IR-780 in the TC-1 tumor. Furthermore, following NIR laser irradiation of the tumor region, the PCB-lipid–IR-780 accumulated in the tumor facilitated enhanced tumor ablation and subsequent tumor regression in the TC-1 xenograft model. Hence, these zwitterionic polymer-lipid hybrid micellar nanoparticles show great potential for cancer theranostics and might be beneficial for clinical applications.

IR780-dye loaded gold nanoparticles as new near infrared activatable nanotheranostic agents for simultaneous photodynamic and photothermal therapy and intracellular tracking by surface enhanced resonant Raman scattering imaging

Due to the good transparency of the human tissue in the biological spectral window, near-infrared (NIR)-dye loaded nanosystems enable more effective light-activated therapy and better contrast imaging with major impact on nanomedicine. Herein, we prepare Pluronic coated gold nanoparticles incorporating the hydrophobic NIR dye, IR780 iodide (GNP-Plu-IR780) to provide water-solubility and stability and demonstrate the proficiency of combining photodynamic and photothermal therapeutic activity with surface-enhanced resonance Raman scattering (SERRS) imaging facility. The potential of GNP-Plu-IR780 to operate as NIR-activatable agents was first assessed in aqueous solution by singlet oxygen generation measurements and monitoring the temperature increase of the nanoparticles. Subsequent in vitro uptake studies by dark field and differential interference contrast (DIC) microscopy reveal massive internalization of GNP-Plu-IR780 by murine colon carcinoma cells (C-26). Moreover, by exploiting the SERRS effect under 785 nm laser excitation we were able to perform intracellular tracking of GNP-Plu-IR780. Finally, NIR irradiation experiments conducted in vitro against C-26 cells show efficient phototherapeutic activity induced by GNP-Plu-IR780 with no dark cytotoxicity. Moreover, when compared to the administration of free drug or non-loaded GNP-Plu, the higher phototherapeutic activity of GNP-Plu-IR780 indicates the occurrence of cooperative synergistic effects by simultaneous photodynamic and photothermal activity.

Polymer-Based Nanocarriers for Co-Delivery and Combination of Diverse Therapies against Cancers

Cancer gives rise to an enormous number of deaths worldwide nowadays. Therefore, it is in urgent need to develop new therapies, among which combined therapies including photothermal therapy (PTT) and chemotherapy (CHT) using polymer-based nanocarriers have attracted enormous interest due to the significantly enhanced efficacy and great progress has been made so far. The preparation of such nanocarriers is a comprehensive task involving the cooperation of nanomaterial science and biomedicine science. In this review, we try to introduce and analyze the structure, preparation and synergistic therapeutic effect of various polymer-based nanocarriers composed of anti-tumor drugs, nano-sized photothermal materials and other possible parts. Our effort may bring benefit to future exploration and potential applications of similar nanocarriers.

Nanomedicine applications in the treatment of breast cancer: current state of the art

Breast cancer is the most common malignant disease in women worldwide, but the current drug therapy is far from optimal as indicated by the high death rate of breast cancer patients. Nanomedicine is a promising alternative for breast cancer treatment. Nanomedicine products such as Doxil^® and Abraxane^® have already been extensively used for breast cancer adjuvant therapy with favorable clinical outcomes. However, these products were originally designed for generic anticancer purpose and not specifically for breast cancer treatment. With better understanding of the molecular biology of breast cancer, a number of novel promising nanotherapeutic strategies and devices have been developed in recent years. In this review, we will first give an overview of the current breast cancer treatment and the updated status of nanomedicine use in clinical setting, then discuss the latest important trends in designing breast cancer nanomedicine, including passive and active cancer cell targeting, breast cancer stem cell targeting, tumor microenvironment-based nanotherapy and combination nanotherapy of drug-resistant breast cancer. Researchers may get insight from these strategies to design and develop nanomedicine that is more tailored for breast cancer to achieve further improvements in cancer specificity, antitumorigenic effect, antimetastasis effect and drug resistance reversal effect.