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Lin B, Peng X, Cheng J, Wang J. Natural gambogic acid-tuned self-assembly of nanodrugs towards synergistic chemophototherapy against breast cancer. J Mater Chem B 2024; 12:5940-5949. [PMID: 38804636 DOI: 10.1039/d4tb00364k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024]
Abstract
Gambogic acid (GA) as a naturally derived chemotherapeutic agent is of increasing interest for antitumor therapy. However, current research mainly focuses on improving the pharmacological properties to overcome the shortcomings in clinical applications or as a synergistic anticancer agent in combination with chemotherapy and chemophototherapy. Yet, the material properties of GA (e.g., self-assembly) are often neglected. Herein, we validated the self-assembly function of GA and its huge potential as a single-component active carrier for synergistic delivery using pyropheophorbide-a (PPa) as a drug model. The results showed that self-assembled GA drives the formation of nano-GA/PPa mainly through noncovalent interactions such as π-π stacking, hydrophobic interactions, and hydrogen bonding. Additionally, although no significant differences in cytotoxicity were found between the individual in vitro chemotherapy and combined chemophototherapy, the as-prepared nano-GA/PPa exhibits remarkably improved water solubility and multiple favorable therapeutic features, leading to a prominent in vivo photochemotherapy efficiency of 89.3% inhibition rate with reduced hepatotoxicity of GA. This work highlights the potential of self-assembled GA as a drug delivery carrier for synergistic biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohang Lin
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Longgang Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Long Gang District, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Xun Peng
- Department of Thyroid, Breast and Vascular Surgery, Longgang Central Hospital of Shenzhen, Long Gang District, Shenzhen, P. R. China
| | - Jianjun Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine Innovation and Transformation, Henan University, Kaifeng, P. R. China.
| | - Jiacheng Wang
- Medical College, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, P. R. China.
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2
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Hou Y, Zhu L, Ye X, Ke Q, Zhang Q, Xie X, Piao JG, Wei Y. Integrated oral microgel system ameliorates renal fibrosis by hitchhiking co-delivery and targeted gut flora modulation. J Nanobiotechnology 2024; 22:305. [PMID: 38822364 PMCID: PMC11143587 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-024-02586-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Renal fibrosis is a progressive process associated with chronic kidney disease (CKD), contributing to impaired kidney function. Active constituents in traditional Chinese herbs, such as emodin (EMO) and asiatic acid (AA), exhibit potent anti-fibrotic properties. However, the oral administration of EMO and AA results in low bioavailability and limited kidney accumulation. Additionally, while oral probiotics have been accepted for CKD treatment through gut microbiota modulation, a significant challenge lies in ensuring their viability upon administration. Therefore, our study aims to address both renal fibrosis and gut microbiota imbalance through innovative co-delivery strategies. RESULTS In this study, we developed yeast cell wall particles (YCWPs) encapsulating EMO and AA self-assembled nanoparticles (NPYs) and embedded them, along with Lactobacillus casei Zhang, in chitosan/sodium alginate (CS/SA) microgels. The developed microgels showed significant controlled release properties for the loaded NPYs and prolonged the retention time of Lactobacillus casei Zhang (L. casei Zhang) in the intestine. Furthermore, in vivo biodistribution showed that the microgel-carried NPYs significantly accumulated in the obstructed kidneys of rats, thereby substantially increasing the accumulation of EMO and AA in the impaired kidneys. More importantly, through hitchhiking delivery based on yeast cell wall and positive modulation of gut microbiota, our microgels with this synergistic strategy of therapeutic and modulatory interactions could regulate the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway and thus effectively ameliorate renal fibrosis in unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) rats. CONCLUSION In conclusion, our work provides a new strategy for the treatment of renal fibrosis based on hitchhiking co-delivery of nanodrugs and probiotics to achieve synergistic effects of disease treatment and targeted gut flora modulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Hou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Xiaofeng Ye
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Qiaoying Ke
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Qibin Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Xiaowei Xie
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China
| | - Ji-Gang Piao
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
| | - Yinghui Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 311402, China.
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Li Q, Lianghao Y, Shijie G, Zhiyi W, Yuanting T, Cong C, Chun-Qin Z, Xianjun F. Self-assembled nanodrug delivery systems for anti-cancer drugs from traditional Chinese medicine. Biomater Sci 2024; 12:1662-1692. [PMID: 38411151 DOI: 10.1039/d3bm01451g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is a combination of raw herbs and herbal extracts with a plethora of documented beneficial bioactivities, which has unique advantages in anti-tumor therapy, and many of its major bioactive molecules have been identified in recent years due to advances in chemical separation and structural analysis. However, the major chemical classes of plant-derived bioactive compounds frequently possess chemical properties, including poor water solubility, stability, and bioavailability, that limit their therapeutic application. Alternatively, natural small molecules (NSMs) containing these components possess modifiable groups, multiple action sites, hydrophobic side chains, and a rigid skeleton with self-assembly properties that can be exploited to construct self-assembled nanoparticles with therapeutic effects superior to their individual constituents. For instance, the construction of a self-assembled nanodrug delivery system can effectively overcome the strong hydrophobicity and poor in vivo stability of NSMs, thereby greatly improving their bioavailability and enhancing their anti-tumor efficacy. This review summarizes the self-assembly methods, mechanisms, and applications of a variety of NSMs, including terpenoids, flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, and saponins, providing a theoretical basis for the subsequent research on NSMs and the development of SANDDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Li
- Experimental Centre, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Lianghao
- Experimental Centre, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Gao Shijie
- Experimental Centre, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Wang Zhiyi
- Experimental Centre, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Tang Yuanting
- Experimental Centre, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China
| | - Chen Cong
- Innovative Institute of Chinese Medicine and Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, P. R. China.
| | - Zhao Chun-Qin
- Academy of Chinese Medicine Literature and Culture, Key Laboratory of Classical Theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Education, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, PR China.
| | - Fu Xianjun
- Marine Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Centre, Qingdao Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qingdao 266114, P. R. China.
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Zhou C, Zhao S, Zhang Y, Cheng J, Shi J, Du G. Mesoporous polydopamine Targeting CDK4/6 Inhibitor toward Brilliant Synergistic Immunotherapy of Breast Cancer. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2024:e2310565. [PMID: 38396273 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202310565] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 02/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024]
Abstract
Immunotherapy utilizing anti-PD-L1 blockade has achieved dramatic success in clinical breast cancer management but is often hampered by the limited immune response. Increasing evidence shows that immunogenic cell death (ICD) recently arises as a promising strategy for enlarging tumor immunogenicity and eliciting systemic anti-tumor immunity effectively. However, developing simple but versatile, highly efficient but low-toxic, biosafe, and clinically available transformed ICD inducers remains a huge demand and is highly desirable. Herein, a multifunctional ICD inducer is purposefully developed A6-MPDA@PAL by integrating photothermal therapy (PTT) nanoplatforms mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA), CDK4/6 inhibitor palbociclib (PAL), and CD44-specific targeting A6 peptide in a simple way for augmenting the immune antitumor efficacy of anti-PD-L1 therapy. Remarkably, the light-inducible nanoplatforms exhibit multiple favorable therapeutic features ensuring a superior and biosafe PTT/chemotherapy efficacy. Together with stronger accumulative ICD induction, single administration of A6-MPDA@PAL can trigger robust systemic antitumor immunity and abscopal effect with the assistance of anti-PD-L1 blockade by fascinating the intratumoral infiltration of T lymphocytes and reversing the immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment simultaneously, therapy achieving brilliant synergistic immunotherapy with effective tumor ablation. This study presents a simple and smart ICD inducer opening up attractive clinical possibilities for reinforcing the anti-PD-L1 therapy against breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Conglei Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immune Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Shuang Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immune Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Yongbo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immune Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
| | - Jianjun Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immune Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, China
| | - Jiahua Shi
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immune Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, China
| | - Guanhua Du
- Key Laboratory of Natural Medicine and Immune Engineering, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, 475004, China
- State Key Laboratory of Antiviral Drugs, Henan University, China
- Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100050, China
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Qiu C, Zhang JZ, Wu B, Xu CC, Pang HH, Tu QC, Lu YQ, Guo QY, Xia F, Wang JG. Advanced application of nanotechnology in active constituents of Traditional Chinese Medicines. J Nanobiotechnology 2023; 21:456. [PMID: 38017573 PMCID: PMC10685519 DOI: 10.1186/s12951-023-02165-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs) have been used for centuries for the treatment and management of various diseases. However, their effective delivery to targeted sites may be a major challenge due to their poor water solubility, low bioavailability, and potential toxicity. Nanocarriers, such as liposomes, polymeric nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles and organic/inorganic nanohybrids based on active constituents from TCMs have been extensively studied as a promising strategy to improve the delivery of active constituents from TCMs to achieve a higher therapeutic effect with fewer side effects compared to conventional formulations. This review summarizes the recent advances in nanocarrier-based delivery systems for various types of active constituents of TCMs, including terpenoids, polyphenols, alkaloids, flavonoids, and quinones, from different natural sources. This review covers the design and preparation of nanocarriers, their characterization, and in vitro/vivo evaluations. Additionally, this review highlights the challenges and opportunities in the field and suggests future directions for research. Nanocarrier-based delivery systems have shown great potential in improving the therapeutic efficacy of TCMs, and this review may serve as a comprehensive resource to researchers in this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Qiu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Jun Zhe Zhang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Bo Wu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medical Science, Sixth Medical Center of the Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100037, China
| | - Cheng Chao Xu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Huan Huan Pang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Qing Chao Tu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Yu Qian Lu
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China
| | - Qiu Yan Guo
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Fei Xia
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
| | - Ji Gang Wang
- State Key Laboratory for Quality Ensurance and Sustainable Use of Dao-Di Herbs, Artemisinin Research Center, and Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, 100700, China.
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117600, Singapore.
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Fu S, Wang M, Li B, Li X, Cheng J, Zhao H, Zhang H, Dong A, Lu W, Yang X. Bionic natural small molecule co-assemblies towards targeted and synergistic Chemo/PDT/CDT. Biomater Res 2023; 27:43. [PMID: 37161611 PMCID: PMC10169343 DOI: 10.1186/s40824-023-00380-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Multi-component nano-delivery systems based on chemotherapy (chemo)- photodynamic therapy (PDT)- chemodynamic therapy (CDT) have gained increased attention as a promising strategy to improve clinical outcomes in cancer treatment. However, there remains a challenge in developing biodegradable, biocompatible, less toxic, yet highly efficient multicomponent nanobased drug delivery systems (DDS). Here, our study presents the screening and development of a novel DDS based on co-assemblies natural small molecule (NSMs). These molecules (oleanolic acid, and betulinic acid) are combined with photosensitizers Chlorine6 (Ce6) and Cu2+ that are encapsulated by tumor cell membranes. This nanocarrier encapsulated in tumor cell membranes achieved good tumor targeting and a significant improvement in tumor accumulation. METHODS A reprecipitation method was used to prepare the co-assembled nanocarrier, followed by the introduction of Cu2 + into the DDS (OABACe6 NPs). Then, by wrapping the surface of NPs with the cell membranes of 4T1 which is a kind of mouse breast cancer cells (CM@OABACe6/Cu NPs). and analysis of its structure and size distribution with UV-Vis, XPS, FT-IR, SEM, TEM, and DLS. The synergistic effects of in vitro chemotherapy, CDT and PDT and targeting were also validated by cellular and animal studies. RESULTS It was shown that CM@OABACe6/Cu NPs achieved good tumor targeting and a significant improvement in tumor accumulation. In the composite nano-assembly, the NSMs work together with the Ce6 to provide effective and safe chemo and PDT. Moreover, the effect of reduced PDT due to the depletion of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by excess glutathione (GSH) in the tumor can be counteracted when Cu2 + is introduced. More importantly, it also confers CDT through a Fenton-like catalytic reaction with H2O overexpressed at the tumor site. CONCLUSIONS By constructing CM@OABACe6/Cu NPs with homologous targeting, we create a triple synergistic platform for cancer therapy using PDT, chemo, and CDT. We propose here a novel combinatorial strategy for designing more naturally co-assembled small molecules, especially for the development of multifunctional synergistic therapies that utilize NSMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyao Fu
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 92, West Dazhi Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, China
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, No.92, West Dazhi Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Mingao Wang
- Department of Nephrology, the First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, No. 23 Youzheng Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Bin Li
- Academician Workstation, Jiangxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1088 Meiling Street, Wanli District, Nanchang, 330004, No, China
| | - Xu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, the Second Hospital of Jilin University, Nanguan District, No. 4026 Yatai Street, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Jianjun Cheng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, No.92, West Dazhi Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Haitian Zhao
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 92, West Dazhi Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, China
- Chongqing Research Institute, Harbin Institute of Technology, Yubei District, No. 188 Jihuayuan South Road, Chongqing, 401135, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, No.92, West Dazhi Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Aijun Dong
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, No.92, West Dazhi Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Weihong Lu
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 92, West Dazhi Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, China
- Chongqing Research Institute, Harbin Institute of Technology, Yubei District, No. 188 Jihuayuan South Road, Chongqing, 401135, China
| | - Xin Yang
- School of Medicine and Health, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 92, West Dazhi Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, China.
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, No.92, West Dazhi Street, Nangang District, Harbin, 150001, China.
- Chongqing Research Institute, Harbin Institute of Technology, Yubei District, No. 188 Jihuayuan South Road, Chongqing, 401135, China.
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Lu S, Hao D, Xiang X, Pei Q, Xie Z. Carboxylated paclitaxel prodrug nanofibers for enhanced chemotherapy. J Control Release 2023; 355:528-537. [PMID: 36787820 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2023.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023]
Abstract
The facile availability of nanoformulations with enhanced antitumor performance remains a big challenge. Herein, we synthesize paclitaxel prodrugs with amphiphilic structures and robust assembling ability. Carboxylated paclitaxel prodrugs (PSCB) containing disulfide bonds prefer to form exquisite nanofibers, while phenylcarbinol end capped paclitaxel prodrugs (PSP) assemble into spherical nanoparticles. The transformation of morphology from nanofibers to nanorods can be realized via tuning the content of paclitaxel. Hydrophilic domains of PSCB nanofibers accelerate the cleavage of disulfide bond for rapid drug release in tumor cells, thus exhibiting the enhanced cytotoxicity and antitumor activity. This study provides a crucial insight into the functional design of hydrophobic drugs to improve chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaojin Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, PR China; School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, PR China
| | - Dengyuan Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, PR China; School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, PR China
| | - Xiujuan Xiang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, PR China; School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, PR China
| | - Qing Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, PR China.
| | - Zhigang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, PR China; School of Applied Chemistry and Engineering, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230026, PR China.
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Photosensitive pro-drug nanoassemblies harboring a chemotherapeutic dormancy function potentiates cancer immunotherapy. Acta Pharm Sin B 2023; 13:879-896. [PMID: 36873187 PMCID: PMC9978634 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2022.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy combined with effective therapeutics such as chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy have been shown to be a successful strategy to activate anti-tumor immune responses for improved anticancer treatment. However, developing multifunctional biodegradable, biocompatible, low-toxic but highly efficient, and clinically available transformed nano-immunostimulants remains a challenge and is in great demand. Herein, we report and design of a novel carrier-free photo-chemotherapeutic nano-prodrug COS-BA/Ce6 NPs by combining three multifunctional components-a self-assembled natural small molecule betulinic acid (BA), a water-soluble chitosan oligosaccharide (COS), and a low toxic photosensitizer chlorin e6 (Ce6)-to augment the antitumor efficacy of the immune adjuvant anti-PD-L1-mediated cancer immunotherapy. We show that the designed nanodrugs harbored a smart and distinctive "dormancy" characteristic in chemotherapeutic effect with desired lower cytotoxicity, and multiple favorable therapeutic features including improved 1O2 generation induced by the reduced energy gap of Ce6, pH-responsiveness, good biodegradability, and biocompatibility, ensuring a highly efficient, synergistic photochemotherapy. Moreover, when combined with anti-PD-L1 therapy, both nano-coassembly based chemotherapy and chemotherapy/photodynamic therapy (PDT) could effectively activate antitumor immunity when treating primary or distant tumors, opening up potentially attractive possibilities for clinical immunotherapy.
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Dai X, Chen Y. Computational Biomaterials: Computational Simulations for Biomedicine. ADVANCED MATERIALS (DEERFIELD BEACH, FLA.) 2023; 35:e2204798. [PMID: 35916024 DOI: 10.1002/adma.202204798] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 05/14/2023]
Abstract
With the flourishing development of material simulation methods (quantum chemistry methods, molecular dynamics, Monte Carlo, phase field, etc.), extensive adoption of computing technologies (high-throughput, artificial intelligence, machine learning, etc.), and the invention of high-performance computing equipment, computational simulation tools have sparked the fundamental mechanism-level explorations to predict the diverse physicochemical properties and biological effects of biomaterials and investigate their enormous application potential for disease prevention, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Herein, the term "computational biomaterials" is proposed and the computational methods currently used to explore the inherent properties of biomaterials, such as optical, magnetic, electronic, and acoustic properties, and the elucidation of corresponding biological behaviors/effects in the biomedical field are summarized/discussed. The theoretical calculation of the physiochemical properties/biological performance of biomaterials applied in disease diagnosis, drug delivery, disease therapeutics, and specific paradigms such as biomimetic biomaterials is discussed. Additionally, the biosafety evaluation applications of theoretical simulations of biomaterials are presented. Finally, the challenges and future prospects of such computational simulations for biomaterials development are clarified. It is anticipated that these simulations would offer various methodologies for facilitating the development and future clinical translations/utilization of versatile biomaterials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Dai
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
| | - Yu Chen
- Materdicine Lab, School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
- School of Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, 200444, P. R. China
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Li Z, Xie H, Shi H, Chen H, Gao Y. Photosensitizers Dispersed on Nanosized Triterpenoid Matrix with Deaggregation-Enhanced Singlet Oxygen Production. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:4973-4983. [PMID: 36661249 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c20364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effects of photosensitizers severely cut down the generation of quantum yield of singlet oxygen (1O2) for effective photodynamic therapy (PDT). Herein, we accomplish a deaggregation-enhanced 1O2 production strategy by the noncovalent coordination of a clinically applied triterpenoid oleanolic acid (OA) and hematoporphyrin (Hp) via one-step self-assembly, forming a nanosensitizer OH, in which Hp is interspersed on the surface of the OA matrix in a face-to-face manner. The scattered arrangement of Hp held by the OA matrix decreases the π-π aggregation in Hp, leading to a 3.7-fold boost in the intracellular 1O2 yield and high phototoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the biologically active OA enables OH to display excellent cellular uptake efficiency (increase by 36-fold), deep tumor penetration, and synergistic antitumor outcome at a low dose. Thus, this simple strategy paves the way for the green development of efficient photosensitizers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziying Li
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Huanzhang Xie
- College of Materials and Chemical Engineering, Minjiang University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Huifang Shi
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
| | - Haijun Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou, Fuzhou 350116, Fujian, China
| | - Yu Gao
- Cancer Metastasis Alert and Prevention Center, and Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Cancer Metastasis Chemoprevention and Chemotherapy, College of Chemistry, Fuzhou University, Fuzhou 350108, Fujian, China
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Tailoring carrier-free nanocombo of small-molecule prodrug for combinational cancer therapy. J Control Release 2022; 352:256-275. [PMID: 36272660 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.10.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The outcomes of monotherapy could not satisfy clinical cancer treatment owing to the challenges of tumor heterogeneity, multi-drug resistance, tumor metastasis and relapse. In response, the significance of combinational cancer therapy has been highlighted. Traditional combinational schemes usually utilize "free" drug for multi drug administration, independently. The diverse pharmacokinetics and biodistribution greatly hinder the antitumor effects and cause systematic toxicity. To tackle the hinderance, various nanoparticulate drug delivery systems (Nano-DDSs) have been developed. However, conventional Nano-DDSs encapsulate drugs into carrier materials through noncovalent interactions, resulting in low drug loading, fixed multi drug encapsulation ratio, chemical instability and carrier-associated toxicity. Recently, carrier-free nanocombos based on self-assembling small-molecule prodrugs (SPNCs) have emerged as a versatile Nano-DDSs for multiple drug delivery. Benefited by the self-assembly capability, SPNCs could be facilely fabricated with distinct merits of ultra-high drug loading, adjustable drug ratio and negligible carrier-associated toxicity. Herein, we summarize the latest trends of SPNCs. First, a basic review on self-assembling small-molecule prodrugs is presented. Additionally, facile techniques to prepare SPNCs are introduced. Furthermore, advanced combinational therapies based on SPNCs are spotlighted with special emphasis on synergistic mechanisms. Finally, future prospects and challenges are discussed.
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Zhu L, Lin S, Cui W, Xu Y, Wang L, Wang Z, Yuan S, Zhang Y, Fan Y, Geng J. A nanomedicine enables synergistic chemo/photodynamic therapy for pancreatic cancer treatment. Biomater Sci 2022; 10:3624-3636. [PMID: 35647941 DOI: 10.1039/d2bm00437b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Gemcitabine (Gem) has been a key chemotherapy agent for pancreatic cancer treatment by suppressing cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis. However, the overexpression of inhibitors of apoptosis (IAP) family of proteins during the carcinogenesis of pancreatic cancer can develop resistance to chemotherapy treatment and result in poor efficacy. To achieve the synergistic combinations of multiple strategies for this dismal disease, we developed a robust nanomedicine system, consisting of a photodynamic therapeutic agent (chlorine e6, Ce6) and a pro-apoptotic peptide-Gem conjugate. To have spatiotemporally controlled drug release, the pro-apoptotic peptide-Gem conjugate was designed to have a vinyldithioether linker that was sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS). The nanomedicine was fabricated by the direct self-assembly of the pro-apoptotic peptide-Gem conjugate with Ce6. After being delivered into tumors, the nanomedicine disassembled and rapidly released Gem, Ce6, and the pro-apoptotic peptide upon light illumination (660 nm). Both in vitro and in vivo studies in pancreatic cancer models confirmed the tumor inhibition efficacy with low systemic toxicity to animals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liwei Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China.
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Shanmeng Lin
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Wenqiang Cui
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Youwei Xu
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Liang Wang
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Zhaohan Wang
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Shuguang Yuan
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yichuan Zhang
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
| | - Yingfang Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510280, China.
| | - Jin Geng
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen 518055, China.
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Abstract
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The triterpenoid
natural products have played an important role
in understanding mechanistic models of human diseases. These natural
products are diverse, but many have been characterized as reactive
oxygen species (ROS) modulators. ROS can regulate cell survival and
function, which ultimately affects biological processes leading to
disease. The triterpenoids offer an untapped source of creativity
to generate tool compounds with high selectivity to regulate ROS.
This brief Review highlights the diverse complexity by which these
secondary metabolites induce many cell death modalities (apoptosis,
autophagy, ferroptosis, etc.) that can affect various complex cell
signaling pathways through ROS and ultimately lead to evading or accelerating
cell death.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taotao Ling
- Department of Chemistry, Lousiana State University, 133 Chopping Hall, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Lucinda Boyd
- Department of Chemistry, Lousiana State University, 133 Chopping Hall, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
| | - Fatima Rivas
- Department of Chemistry, Lousiana State University, 133 Chopping Hall, Baton Rouge, Louisiana 70803, United States
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Liu Y, Xia H, Guo S, Lu X, Zeng C. Development and characterization of a novel naturally occurring pentacyclic triterpene self-stabilized pickering emulsion. Colloids Surf A Physicochem Eng Asp 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfa.2021.127908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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15
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Zheng R, Zhao Q, Qing W, Li S, Liu Z, Li Q, Huang Y. Carrier-Free Delivery of Ultrasmall π-Conjugated Oligomer Nanoparticles with Photothermal Conversion over 80% for Cancer Theranostics. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2022; 18:e2104521. [PMID: 34821029 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202104521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
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.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rijie Zheng
- Laboratory for NanoMedical Photonics, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Weixia Qing
- Laboratory for NanoMedical Photonics, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Shengliang Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215123, P. R. China
| | - Zhonghua Liu
- Laboratory for NanoMedical Photonics, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Qianqian Li
- Laboratory for NanoMedical Photonics, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
| | - Yongwei Huang
- Laboratory for NanoMedical Photonics, School of Basic Medical Science, Henan University, Kaifeng, 475004, China
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16
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Jiang B, Hao D, Li C, Lu S, Pei Q, Xie Z. Fluorinated paclitaxel prodrugs for potentiated stability and chemotherapy. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:9971-9979. [PMID: 34871339 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb02165f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/23/2023]
Abstract
Robust colloidal stability is an essential prerequisite for effective drug delivery. Herein, a series of fluorinated paclitaxel prodrugs bridged with redox-responsive linkages were synthesized, and the effect of fluorination on the assembly behavior and physiological stability was investigated. The 17-fluorinated ethanol-modified paclitaxel prodrug could self-assemble into stable nanoparticles without the addition of any surfactants. Fluorinated paclitaxel prodrug nanoparticles possessed potent cytotoxicity toward cancer cells and superior antitumor activity. This study offers a universal fluorination approach to improve drug delivery efficacy by enhancing the self-assembly capability and improving the colloidal stability of prodrugs for potentiating chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China. .,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Dengyuan Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China. .,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Chaonan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China. .,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Shaojin Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China. .,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
| | - Qing Pei
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China.
| | - Zhigang Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Polymer Physics and Chemistry, Changchun Institute of Applied Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Changchun, Jilin 130022, P. R. China. .,University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei 230026, P. R. China
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Ren Y, Elkington BG, Henkin JM, Sydara K, Kinghorn AD, Soejarto DD. Bioactive small-molecule constituents of Lao plants. JOURNAL OF MEDICINAL PLANT RESEARCH 2021; 15:540-559. [PMID: 35178192 PMCID: PMC8849567 DOI: 10.5897/jmpr2021.7137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Laos has a rich plant diversity, and medicinal plants are used extensively in Lao traditional medicine for the treatment of a variety of human diseases. However, only a relatively small number of these plants have been investigated for their major components with potential antitumor, anti-infective, and other types of bioactivities. These species include Asparagus cochinchinensis, Diospyros quaesita, Gongronema napalense, Marsypopetalum modestum, Nauclea orientalis, Rourea minor, Stemona pierrei, and Stemona tuberosa. Thus far, the bioactive compounds isolated from these Lao plants include alkaloids, glycerol esters, phenolic compounds such as lignans and stilbenoids, steroids, and triterpenoids. Of these, the norlignan, nyasol (1b), the triterpenes, pyracrenic acid [3β-O-trans-caffeoylbetulinic acid (3)] and betulinic acid (3b), and the dimeric thiopyridine, dipyrithione (5), were found to show both cancer cell cytotoxicity and anti-infective activity. The present review focuses on examples of promising lead compounds isolated from Lao plants, with their possible development as potential therapeutic agents being discussed. It is hoped that this contribution will provide useful information on higher plants growing in Laos to help stimulate future discoveries of potential agents for the treatment of cancer, infections, and other diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulin Ren
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Bethany G. Elkington
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
- Science and Education, Field Museum, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
| | - Joshua M. Henkin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
- Science and Education, Field Museum, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
| | - Kongmany Sydara
- Institute of Traditional Medicine, Ministry of Health, Vientiane, Lao PDR
| | - A. Douglas Kinghorn
- Division of Medicinal Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, United States
| | - Djaja D. Soejarto
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, United States
- Science and Education, Field Museum, Chicago, IL 60605, United States
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18
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Constructing nanocomplexes by multicomponent self-assembly for curing orthotopic glioblastoma with synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy. Biomaterials 2021; 279:121193. [PMID: 34700227 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2021.121193] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is one of the major limitations of glioblastoma therapy in the clinic. Nanodrugs have shown great potential for glioblastoma therapy. Herein, we purposefully developed a multicomponent self-assembly nanocomplex with very high drug loading content for curing orthotopic glioblastoma with synergistic chemo-photothermal therapy. The nanocomplex consisted of self-assembled pH-responsive nanodrugs derived from amino acid-conjugated camptothecin (CPT) and canine dyes (IR783) coated with peptide Angiopep-2-conjugated copolymer of Ang-PEG-g-PLL. Specifically, the carrier-free nanocomplex exhibited a high drug loading content (up to 62%), good biocompatibility, and effective glioma accumulation ability. Moreover, the nanocomplex displayed good stability and pH-responsive behavior ex vivo. Both in vitro and in vivo results revealed that the nanocomplex could effectively cross the BBB and target glioma cells. Furthermore, the combination of chemotherapy and photothermal therapy of the nanocomplex achieved a better therapeutic effect, longer survival time, and minimized toxic side effects in orthotopic glioblastoma tumor-bearing nude mice. Overall, we modified the chemotherapeutic drug CPT so that it could self-assemble with other molecules into nanoparticles, which providing an alternative for the preparation of the carrier-free nanodrugs. The results highlighted the potential of self-assembly nanodrugs as a novel platform for effective glioblastoma therapy.
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Cheng J, Wang S, Zhao H, Liu Y, Yang X. Exploring the self-assembly mechanism and effective synergistic antitumor chemophototherapy of a biodegradable and glutathione responsive ursolic acid prodrug mediated photosensitive nanodrug. Biomater Sci 2021; 9:3762-3775. [PMID: 33871500 DOI: 10.1039/d1bm00369k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Supermolecularly assembled photochemotherapeutic nanocomposites composed of pure drug small molecules are promising for synergistically improved tumor therapy, yet potential multiple challenges remain to be addressed. Herein, we rationally designed a novel multifunctional small molecule disulfide modified natural pentacyclic triterpene of ursolic acid (UASS) that simultaneously possesses self-assembly ability, glutathione (GSH) responsivity, anticancer activity, biocompatibility and biodegradability and further constructed carrier-free GSH-sensitive photosensitive nanocomposite UASS-Ce6 NPs for safe and synergistically improved chemophototherapy. Specifically, UASS-Ce6 NPs exhibit improved 1O2 generation by reducing the energy gap (ΔEST) of Ce6 as determined by density functional theory. Meanwhile, molecular dynamics simulation revealed the possible reasons why free UASS self-assembles and UASS-Ce6 NPs with different assembled morphologies may be primarily attributed to the coplanar arrangement of UASS dimer units. Importantly, via noncovalent π-stacking and hydrophobic interactions, the resulting co-assemblies showed improved water solubility, increased intercellular ROS generation, desirable GSH sensibility, excellent biocompatibility, and enhanced tumor accumulation accompanied by rapid biodegradation, thus leading to significant in vitro and in vivo synergistic antitumor efficacy with favorable biosafety. This study provides a promising insight into the development of a self-assembled active single component platform with desirable stimuli responsiveness and biosafety toward synergistic antitumor therapy based on terpenoid natural small molecules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianjun Cheng
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 92 West Dazhi Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Shu Wang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 92 West Dazhi Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Haitian Zhao
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 92 West Dazhi Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Fourth Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Xin Yang
- School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Harbin Institute of Technology, No. 92 West Dazhi Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang, China.
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