Aptamer-functionalized molybdenum disulfide nanosheets for tumor cell targeting and lysosomal acidic environment/NIR laser responsive drug delivery to realize synergetic chemo-photothermal therapeutic effects

Aptamer-mediated therapeutic strategies provide a potential approach for cancer

The treatment of tumors still faces considerable challenges. While conventional treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy provide some curative effects, their side effects and limitations highlight the importance of finding more precise treatment strategies. Aptamers have become an important target molecule in the field of drug delivery systems due to their good affinity and targeting, and they have gradually become an important link from basic research to clinical application. In this paper, we discussed the latest progress of aptamer-mediated nanodrugs, as well as aptamer-mediated photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and immunotherapy strategies for tumor treatment, and explored the possibility of aptamer-mediated therapy for accurate tumor treatment. The purpose of this review is to provide novel insights for treating tumors with aptamer-mediated therapies by summarizing these innovative strategies, thereby ultimately enhancing the therapeutic efficacy for cancer patients.

Cascade Co8FeS8@Co1-xS nano-enzymes trigger efficiently apoptosis-ferroptosis combination tumor therapy

This study involved the preparation of Metal Organic Frameworks (MOF)-derived Co8FeS8@Co1-xS nanoenzymes with strong interfacial interactions. The nanoenzymes presented the peroxidase (POD)-like activity and the oxidation activity of reduced glutathione (GSH). Accordingly, the dual activities of Co8FeS8@Co1-xS provided a self-cascading platform for producing significant amounts of hydroxyl radical (•OH) and depleting reduced glutathione, thereby inducing tumor cell apoptosis and ferroptosis. More importantly, the Co8FeS8@Co1-xS inhibited the anti-apoptosis protein B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) and activated caspase family proteins, which caused tumor cell apoptosis. Simultaneously, Co8FeS8@Co1-xS affected the iron metabolism-related genes such as Heme oxygenase-1 (Hmox-1), amplifying the Fenton response and promoting apoptosis and ferroptosis. Therefore, the nanoenzyme synergistically killed anti-apoptotic tumor cells carrying Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog (KRAS) mutations. Furthermore, Co8FeS8@Co1-xS demonstrated good biocompatibility, which paved the way for constructing a synergistic catalytic nanoplatform for an efficient tumor treatment.

A review of DNA nanoparticles-encapsulated drug/gene/protein for advanced controlled drug release: Current status and future perspective over emerging therapy approaches

In the last ten years, the field of nanomedicine has experienced significant progress in creating novel drug delivery systems (DDSs). An effective strategy involves employing DNA nanoparticles (NPs) as carriers to encapsulate drugs, genes, or proteins, facilitating regulated drug release. This abstract examines the utilization of DNA NPs and their potential applications in strategies for controlled drug release. Researchers have utilized the distinctive characteristics of DNA molecules, including their ability to self-assemble and their compatibility with living organisms, to create NPs specifically for the purpose of delivering drugs. The DNA NPs possess numerous benefits compared to conventional drug carriers, such as exceptional stability, adjustable dimensions and structure, and convenient customization. Researchers have successfully achieved a highly efficient encapsulation of different therapeutic agents by carefully designing their structure and composition. This advancement enables precise and targeted delivery of drugs. The incorporation of drugs, genes, or proteins into DNA NPs provides notable advantages in terms of augmenting therapeutic effectiveness while reducing adverse effects. DNA NPs serve as a protective barrier for the enclosed payloads, preventing their degradation and extending their duration in the body. The protective effect is especially vital for delicate biologics, such as proteins or gene-based therapies that could otherwise be vulnerable to enzymatic degradation or quick elimination. Moreover, the surface of DNA NPs can be altered to facilitate specific targeting towards particular tissues or cells, thereby augmenting the accuracy of delivery. A significant benefit of DNA NPs is their capacity to regulate the kinetics of drug release. Through the manipulation of the DNA NPs structure, scientists can regulate the rate at which the enclosed cargo is released, enabling a prolonged and regulated dispensation of medication. This control is crucial for medications with limited therapeutic ranges or those necessitating uninterrupted administration to attain optimal therapeutic results. In addition, DNA NPs have the ability to react to external factors, including alterations in temperature, pH, or light, which can initiate the release of the payload at precise locations or moments. This feature enhances the precision of drug release control. The potential uses of DNA NPs in the controlled release of medicines are extensive. The NPs have the ability to transport various therapeutic substances, for example, drugs, peptides, NAs (NAs), and proteins. They exhibit potential for the therapeutic management of diverse ailments, including cancer, genetic disorders, and infectious diseases. In addition, DNA NPs can be employed for targeted drug delivery, traversing biological barriers, and surpassing the constraints of conventional drug administration methods.

An insight into the dual role of MoS2-based nanocarriers in anticancer drug delivery and therapy

Over the years, nanomaterials have been exploited as drug delivery systems and therapeutic agents in cancer treatment. Special emphasis has been placed on structure and shape-mediated drug loading and release. Functional materials, including molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), have shown promising results because of their tunable structure and unmatched physicochemical properties. Specifically, easy surface functionalization and high drug adsorption ability make them ideal candidates. Although the large surface area of nanosheets/nanoflakes may result in high drug loading, the encapsulation efficiency is better for MoS2 nanoflower structures. Due to its high targeting abilities, the loading of chemotherapeutic drugs onto MoS2 may minimize nonspecific cellular death and undesired side effects. Furthermore, due to their strong light-absorption ability, MoS2 nanostructures have been widely exploited as photothermal and photodynamic therapeutic agents. The unexplored dimensions of cancer therapy, including chemodynamic (Fenton-like reaction) and piezo-catalytic (ultrasound-mediated reactive oxygen generation), have been recently unlocked, in which the catalytic properties of MoS2 are utilized to generate toxic free radicals to eliminate cancer. Intriguingly, combining these therapeutic modalities often results in high therapeutic efficacy at low doses and minimizes side effects. With a plethora of recent studies, a thorough analysis of current findings is crucial. Therefore, this review discusses the major advances in this field of research. A brief commentary on the limitations/future outlook/ethical issues of the clinical translation of MoS2-mediated cancer treatments is also deliberated. Overall, in our observations, the MoS2-based nanoformulations hold great potential for future cancer therapy applications. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: Development of nanomedicines based on MoS2 has opened new avenues in cancer treatment. The MoS2 with different morphologies (nanosheet/nanoflower/QDs) has shown promising results in controlled and targeted drug delivery, leading to minimized side effects and increased therapeutic efficacy. While existing reviews have primarily focused on the optical/thermal properties utilized in photodynamic/photothermal therapy, the outstanding catalytic properties of MoS2 utilized in cancer therapies (chemodynamic/piezo-catalytic) are often overlooked. This review critically highlights and praises/criticizes individual articles reporting the MoS2-based nanoplatforms for cancer therapy applications. Additionally, MoS2-based combined therapies for synergistic effects are discussed. Furthermore, a brief commentary on the future prospects for clinical translations is also deliberated, which is appealing to various research communities engaged in cancer theranostics and biomedical sciences research.

Nanomaterials-assisted photothermal therapy for breast cancer: State-of-the-art advances and future perspectives

Breast cancer (BC) remains an enigmatic fatal modality ubiquitously prevalent in different parts of the world. Contemporary medicines face severe challenges in remediating and healing breast cancer. Due to its spatial specificity and nominal invasive therapeutic regime, photothermal therapy (PTT) has attracted much scientific attention down the lane. PTT utilizes a near-infrared (NIR) light source to irradiate the tumor target intravenously or non-invasively, which is converted into heat energy over an optical fibre. Dynamic progress in nanomaterial synthesis was achieved with specialized visual, physicochemical, biological, and pharmacological features to make up for the inadequacies and expand the horizon of PTT. Numerous nanomaterials have substantial NIR absorption and can function as efficient photothermal transducers. It is achievable to limit the wavelength range of an absorbance peak for specific nanomaterials by manipulating their synthesis, enhancing the precision and quality of PTT. Along the same lines, various nanomaterials are conjugated with a wide range of surface-modifying chemicals, including polymers and antibodies, which may modify the persistence of the nanomaterial and diminish toxicity concerns. In this article, we tend to put forth specific insights and fundamental conceptualizations on pre-existing PTT and its advances upon conjugation with different biocompatible nanomaterials working in synergy to combat breast cancer, encompassing several strategies like immunotherapy, chemotherapy, photodynamic therapy, and radiotherapy coupled with PTT. Additionally, the role or mechanisms of nanoparticles, as well as possible alternatives to PTT, are summarized as a distinctive integral aspect in this article.

Post-Graphene 2D Materials: Structures, Properties, and Cancer Therapy Applications

Cancer is one of the most serious diseases challenging human health and life span. Cancer has claimed millions of lives worldwide. Early diagnosis and effective treatment of cancer are very important for the survival of patients. In recent years, 2D nanomaterials have shown great potential in the development of anticancer treatment by combining their inherent physicochemical properties after surface modification. 2D nanomaterials have attracted great interest due to their unique nanosheet structure, large surface area, and extraordinary physicochemical properties. This article reviews the advantages and application status of emerging 2D nanomaterials for targeted tumor synergistic therapy compared with traditional therapeutic strategies. In order to investigate novel potential anticancer strategies, this paper focuses on the surface modification, cargo delivery capability, and unique optical properties of emerging 2D nanomaterials. Finally, the current problems and challenges in cancer treatment are summarized and prospected.

Aptamer-Based Smart Targeting and Spatial Trigger-Response Drug-Delivery Systems for Anticancer Therapy

In recent years, the field of drug delivery has witnessed remarkable progress, driven by the quest for more effective and precise therapeutic interventions. Among the myriad strategies employed, the integration of aptamers as targeting moieties and stimuli-responsive systems has emerged as a promising avenue, particularly in the context of anticancer therapy. This review explores cutting-edge advancements in targeted drug-delivery systems, focusing on the integration of aptamers and stimuli-responsive platforms for enhanced spatial anticancer therapy. In the aptamer-based drug-delivery systems, we delve into the versatile applications of aptamers, examining their conjugation with gold, silica, and carbon materials. The synergistic interplay between aptamers and these materials is discussed, emphasizing their potential in achieving precise and targeted drug delivery. Additionally, we explore stimuli-responsive drug-delivery systems with an emphasis on spatial anticancer therapy. Tumor microenvironment-responsive nanoparticles are elucidated, and their capacity to exploit the dynamic conditions within cancerous tissues for controlled drug release is detailed. External stimuli-responsive strategies, including ultrasound-mediated, photo-responsive, and magnetic-guided drug-delivery systems, are examined for their role in achieving synergistic anticancer effects. This review integrates diverse approaches in the quest for precision medicine, showcasing the potential of aptamers and stimuli-responsive systems to revolutionize drug-delivery strategies for enhanced anticancer therapy.

Recent progress in MoS2 nanostructures for biomedical applications: Experimental and computational approach

In the category of 2D materials, MoS2 a transition metal dichalcogenide, is a novel and intriguing class of materials with interesting physicochemical properties, explored in applications ranging from cutting-edge optoelectronic to the frontiers of biomedical and biotechnology. MoS2 nanostructures an alternative to heavy toxic metals exhibit biocompatibility, low toxicity and high stability, and high binding affinity to biomolecules. MoS2 nanostructures provide a lot of opportunities for the advancement of novel biosensing, nanodrug delivery system, electrochemical detection, bioimaging, and photothermal therapy. Much efforts have been made in recent years to improve their physiochemical properties by developing a better synthesis approach, surface functionalization, and biocompatibility for their safe use in the advancement of biomedical applications. The understanding of parameters involved during the development of nanostructures for their safe utilization in biomedical applications has been discussed. Computational studies are included in this article to understand better the properties of MoS2 and the mechanism involved in their interaction with biomolecules. As a result, we anticipate that this combined experimental and computational studies of MoS2 will inspire the development of nanostructures with smart drug delivery systems, and add value to the understanding of two-dimensional smart nano-carriers.

Interaction of 2D nanomaterial with cellular barrier: Membrane attachment and intracellular trafficking

The cell membrane serves as a barrier against the free entry of foreign substances into the cell. Limited by factors such as solubility and targeting, it is difficult for some drugs to pass through the cell membrane barrier and exert the expected therapeutic effect. Two-dimensional nanomaterial (2D NM) has the advantages of high drug loading capacity, flexible modification, and multimodal combination therapy, making them a novel drug delivery vehicle for drug membrane attachment and intracellular transport. By modulating the surface properties of nanocarriers, it is capable of carrying drugs to break through the cell membrane barrier and achieve precise treatment. In this review, we review the classification of various common 2D NMs, the primary parameters affecting their adhesion to cell membranes, and the uptake mechanisms of intracellular transport. Furthermore, we discuss the therapeutic potential of 2D NMs for several major disorders. We anticipate this review will deepen researchers' understanding of the interaction of 2D NM drug carriers with cell membrane barriers, and provide insights for the subsequent development of novel intelligent nanomaterials capable of intracellular transport.

Advanced cancer targeting using aptamer functionalized nanocarriers for site-specific cargo delivery

The non-specificity of standard anticancer therapies has profound detrimental consequences in clinical treatment. Therapeutic specificity can be precisely achieved using cutting-edge ligands. Small synthetic oligonucleotide-ligands chosen through Systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) would be an unceasing innovation in using nucleic acids as aptamers, frequently referred to as "chemical antibodies." Aptamers act as externally controlled switching materials that can attach to various substrates, for example, membrane proteins or nucleic acid structures. Aptamers pose excellent specificity and affinity for target molecules and can be used as medicines to suppress tumor cell growth directly. The creation of aptamer-conjugated nanoconstructs has recently opened up innovative options in cancer therapy that are more effective and target tumor cells with minor toxicity to healthy tissues. This review focuses on a comprehensive description of the most capable classes of aptamer-tethered nanocarriers for precise recognition of cancer cells with significant development in proficiency, selectivity, and targetability for cancer therapy. Existing theranostic applications with the problems and future directions are also highlighted.

Aptamers and nanobodies as alternatives to antibodies for ligand-targeted drug delivery in cancer

Targeted drug delivery (TDD) is the selective delivery of a therapeutic agent specifically to the site of action to avoid adverse effects and systemic toxicity and to reduce the dose required. Ligand TDD or active TDD involves using a ligand-drug conjugate comprising a targeting ligand linked to an active drug moiety that can either be free or encapsulated within a nanocarrier (NC). Aptamers are single-stranded oligonucleotides that bind to specific biomacromolecules because of their 3D conformation. Nanobodies are the variable domains of unique heavy chain-only antibodies (HcAbs) produced by animals of the Camelidae family. Both these types of ligand are smaller than antibodies and have been used to efficiently target drugs to particular tissues or cells. In this review, we describe the applications of aptamers and nanobodies as ligands for TDD, their advantages and disadvantages compared with antibodies, and the various modalities for targeting cancers using these ligands. Teaser: Aptamers and nanobodies are macromolecular ligands that can actively chaperone drug molecules to particular cancerous cells or tissues in the body to target their pharmacological effects and improve their therapeutic index and safety.

Design Strategies of Tumor-Targeted Delivery Systems Based on 2D Nanomaterials

Conventional chemotherapy and radiotherapy are nonselective and nonspecific for cell killing, causing serious side effects and threatening the lives of patients. It is of great significance to develop more accurate tumor-targeting therapeutic strategies. Nanotechnology is in a leading position to provide new treatment options for cancer, and it has great potential for selective targeted therapy and controlled drug release. 2D nanomaterials (2D NMs) have broad application prospects in the field of tumor-targeted delivery systems due to their special structure-based functions and excellent optical, electrical, and thermal properties. This review emphasizes the design strategies of tumor-targeted delivery systems based on 2D NMs from three aspects: passive targeting, active targeting, and tumor-microenvironment targeting, in order to promote the rational application of 2D NMs in clinical practice.

A Codispersed Nanosystem of Silver-anchored MoS2 Enhances Antibacterial and Antitumor Properties of Selective Laser Sintered Scaffolds

Tumor recurrence and bacterial infection are common problems during bone repair and reconstruction after bone tumor surgery. In this study, silver-anchored MoS₂ nanosheets (Ag@PMoS₂) were synthesized by in situ reduction, then a composite polymer scaffold (Ag@PMoS₂/PGA) with sustained antitumor and antibacterial activity was successfully constructed by selective laser sintering technique. In the Ag@PMoS₂ nanostructures, silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) were sandwiched between adjacent MoS₂ nanosheets (MoS₂ NSs), which restrained the restacking of the MoS₂ NSs. In addition, the MoS₂ NSs acted as steric hindrance layers, which prevented the aggregation of Ag NPs. More importantly, MoS₂ NSs can provide a barrier layer for Ag NPs, hindering Ag NPs from reacting with the external solution to prevent its quick release. The results showed that Ag@PMoS₂/PGA scaffolds have stronger photothermal effect and antitumor function. Meanwhile, the Ag@PMoS₂/PGA scaffolds also demonstrated slow control of silver ion (Ag⁺) release and more efficient long-term antibacterial ability. Besides, composite scaffolds have been proved to kill the MG-63 cells by inducing apoptosis and inhibit bacterial proliferation by upregulating the level of bacterial reactive oxygen species. This kind of novel bifunctional implants with antitumor and antibacterial properties provides better choice for the artificial bone transplantation after primary bone tumor resection.

Recent advances in nanoparticle-based photothermal therapy for breast cancer

Breast cancer is one of the most common cancers among women that is associated with high mortality. Conventional treatments including surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, which are not effective enough and have disadvantages such as toxicity and damage to healthy cells. Photothermal therapy (PTT) of cancer cells has been took great attention by researchers in recent years due to the use of light radiation and heat generation at the tumor site, which thermal ablation is considered a minimally invasive method for the treatment of breast cancer. Nanotechnology has opened up a new perspective in the treatment of breast cancer using PTT method. Through NIR light absorption, researchers applied various nanostructures because of their specific nature of penetrating and targeting tumor tissue, increasing the effectiveness of PTT, and combining it with other treatments. If PTT is used with common cancer treatments, it can dramatically increase the effectiveness of treatment and reduce the side effects of other methods. PTT performance can also be improved by hybridizing at least two different nanomaterials. Nanoparticles that intensely absorb light and increase the efficiency of converting light into heat can specifically kill tumors through hyperthermia of cancer cells. One of the main reasons that have increased the efficiency of nanoparticles in PTT is their permeability and durability effect and they can accumulate in tumor tissue. Targeted PTT can be provided by incorporating specific ligands to target receptors expressed on the surface of cancer cells on nanoparticles. These nanoparticles can specifically target cancer cells by maintaining the surface area and increasing penetration. In this study, we briefly introduce the performance of light therapy, application of metal nanoparticles, polymer nanoparticles, carbon nanoparticles, and hybrid nanoparticles for use in PTT of breast cancer.

Breast Cancer Bone Metastasis: A Narrative Review of Emerging Targeted Drug Delivery Systems

Bone is one of the most common metastatic sites among breast cancer (BC) patients. Once bone metastasis is developed, patients' survival and quality of life will be significantly declined. At present, there are limited therapeutic options for BC patients with bone metastasis. Different nanotechnology-based delivery systems have been developed aiming to specifically deliver the therapeutic agents to the bone. The conjugation of targeting agents to nanoparticles can enhance the selective delivery of various payloads to the metastatic bone lesion. The current review highlights promising and emerging advanced nanotechnologies designed for targeted delivery of anticancer therapeutics, contrast agents, photodynamic and photothermal materials to the bone to achieve the goal of treatment, diagnosis, and prevention of BC bone metastasis. A better understanding of various properties of these new therapeutic approaches may open up new landscapes in medicine towards improving the quality of life and overall survival of BC patients who experience bone metastasis.

Ultrasensitive two-dimensional material-based MCF-7 cancer cell sensor driven by perturbation processes

Changes in lipid composition and structure during cell development can be markers for cell apoptosis or various diseases such as cancer. Although traditional fluorescence techniques utilising molecular probes have been studied, these methods are limited in studying these micro-changes as they require complex probe preparation and cannot be reused, making cell monitoring and detection challenging. Here, we developed a direct current (DC) resistance sensor based on two-dimensional (2D) molybdenum disulfide (MoS₂) nanosheets to enable cancer cell-specific detection dependent on micro-changes in the cancer cell membrane. Atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations were used to study the interaction between 2D MoS₂ and cancer lipid bilayer systems, and revealed that previously unconsidered perturbations in the lipid bilayer can cause an increase in resistance. Under an applied DC sweep, we observed an increase in resistance when cancer cells were incubated with the nanosheets. Furthermore, a correlation was observed between the resistance and breast cancer epithelial cell (MCF-7) population, illustrating a cell population-dependent sensitivity of our method. Our method has a detection limit of ∼3 × 10³ cells, below a baseline of ∼1 × 10⁴ cells for the current state-of-the-art electrical-based biosensors using an adherent monolayer with homogenous cells. This combination of a unique 2D material and electrical resistance framework represents a promising approach for the early detection of cancerous cells and to reduce the risk of post-surgery cancer recurrence.

MoS2-based nanocomposites for cancer diagnosis and therapy

Molybdenum is a trace dietary element necessary for the survival of humans. Some molybdenum-bearing enzymes are involved in key metabolic activities in the human body (such as xanthine oxidase, aldehyde oxidase and sulfite oxidase). Many molybdenum-based compounds have been widely used in biomedical research. Especially, MoS2-nanomaterials have attracted more attention in cancer diagnosis and treatment recently because of their unique physical and chemical properties. MoS2 can adsorb various biomolecules and drug molecules via covalent or non-covalent interactions because it is easy to modify and possess a high specific surface area, improving its tumor targeting and colloidal stability, as well as accuracy and sensitivity for detecting specific biomarkers. At the same time, in the near-infrared (NIR) window, MoS2 has excellent optical absorption and prominent photothermal conversion efficiency, which can achieve NIR-based phototherapy and NIR-responsive controlled drug-release. Significantly, the modified MoS2-nanocomposite can specifically respond to the tumor microenvironment, leading to drug accumulation in the tumor site increased, reducing its side effects on non-cancerous tissues, and improved therapeutic effect. In this review, we introduced the latest developments of MoS2-nanocomposites in cancer diagnosis and therapy, mainly focusing on biosensors, bioimaging, chemotherapy, phototherapy, microwave hyperthermia, and combination therapy. Furthermore, we also discuss the current challenges and prospects of MoS2-nanocomposites in cancer treatment.

Converging 2D Nanomaterials and 3D Bioprinting Technology: State-of-the-Art, Challenges, and Potential Outlook in Biomedical Applications

The development of next-generation of bioinks aims to fabricate anatomical size 3D scaffold with high printability and biocompatibility. Along with the progress in 3D bioprinting, 2D nanomaterials (2D NMs) prove to be emerging frontiers in the development of advanced materials owing to their extraordinary properties. Harnessing the properties of 2D NMs in 3D bioprinting technologies can revolutionize the development of bioinks by endowing new functionalities to the current bioinks. First the main contributions of 2D NMS in 3D bioprinting technologies are categorized here into six main classes: 1) reinforcement effect, 2) delivery of bioactive molecules, 3) improved electrical conductivity, 4) enhanced tissue formation, 5) photothermal effect, 6) and stronger antibacterial properties. Next, the recent advances in the use of each certain 2D NMs (1) graphene, 2) nanosilicate, 3) black phosphorus, 4) MXene, 5) transition metal dichalcogenides, 6) hexagonal boron nitride, and 7) metal-organic frameworks) in 3D bioprinting technology are critically summarized and evaluated thoroughly. Third, the role of physicochemical properties of 2D NMSs on their cytotoxicity is uncovered, with several representative examples of each studied 2D NMs. Finally, current challenges, opportunities, and outlook for the development of nanocomposite bioinks are discussed thoroughly.

Hierarchical drug release designed Au @PDA-PEG-MTX NPs for targeted delivery to breast cancer with combined photothermal-chemotherapy

Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer with a low survival rate and one of the major causes of cancer-related death. Methotrexate (MTX) is an anti-tumor drug used in the treatment of BC. Poor dispersion in water and toxic side effects limit its clinical application. Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), owing to their specific structures and unique biological and physiochemical properties, have emerged as potential vehicles for tumor targeting, bioimaging and cancer therapy. An innovative nano drug-loading system (Au @PDA-PEG-MTX NPs) was prepared for targeted treatment of BC. Au @PDA-PEG-MTX NPs under near infra-red region (NIR) irradiation showed effective photothermal therapy against MDA-MB-231 human BC cells growth in vitro by inducing apoptosis through triggering reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction and generating excessive heat. In vivo studies revealed deep penetration ability of Au @PDA-PEG-MTX NPs under NIR irradiation to find application in cancer-targeted fluorescence imaging, and exhibited effective photothermal therapy against BC xenograft growth by inducing apoptosis. Histopathological analysis, cellular uptake, cytotoxicity assay, and apoptosis experiments indicated that Au @PDA-PEG-MTX NPs possessed a good therapeutic effect with high biocompatibility and fewer side effects. This Au NPs drug-loading system achieved specific targeting of MTX to BC cells by surface functionalisation, fluorescence imaging under laser irradiation, combined photothermal-chemotherapy, and pH- and NIR- triggered hierarchical drug release.

Molten salt synthesis of nitrogen doped carbon nanoparticles for enhanced type-I photodynamic therapy

CN NPs were used as an efficient type-I photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy.