Self-Assembled Nanoparticles for Tumor-Triggered Targeting Dual-Mode NIRF/MR Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy Applications

All-in-one nanotheranostic platform based on tumor microenvironment: new strategies in multimodal imaging and therapeutic protocol

Conventional tumor diagnosis and treatment approaches have significant limitations in clinical application, whereas personalized theranostistic nanoplatforms can ensure advanced diagnosis, precise treatment, and even a good prognosis in cancer. Tumor microenvironment (TME)-targeted therapeutic strategies offer absolute advantages in all aspects compared to tumor cell-targeted therapeutic strategies. It is essential to create a TME-responsive all-in-one nanotheranostic platform to facilitate individualized tumor treatment. Based on the TME-responsive multifunctional nanotheranostic platform, we focus on the combined use of multimodal imaging and therapeutic protocols and summary and outlooks on the latest advanced nanomaterials and structures for creating the integrated nanotheranostic system based on material science, which provide insights and reflections on the development of innovative TME-targeting tools for cancer theranostics.

Versatile chondroitin sulfate-based nanoplatform for chemo-photodynamic therapy against triple-negative breast cancer

Versatile nanoplatform equipped with chemo-photodynamic therapeutic attributes play an important role in improving the effectiveness of tumor treatments. Herein, we developed multifunctional nanoparticles based on chondroitin sulfate A (CSA) for the targeted delivery of chlorin e6 (Ce6) and doxorubicin (DOX), in a combined chemo-photodynamic therapy against triple-negative breast cancer. CSA was chosen for its hydrophilic properties and its affinity to CD44 receptor-overexpressed tumor cells. The CSA-ss-Ce6 (CSSC) conjugate was synthesized utilizing a disulfide linker. Subsequently, DOX-loaded CSSC (CSSC-D) nanoparticles were fabricated, showcasing a nearly spherical shape with an average particle size of 267 nm. In the CSSC-D nanoparticles, the chemically attached Ce6 constituted 1.53 %, while the physically encapsulated DOX accounted for 8.11 %. Both CSSC-D and CSSC nanoparticles demonstrated a reduction-sensitive release of DOX or Ce6 in vitro. Under near-infrared (NIR) laser irradiation, CSSC-D showed the enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), improving cytotoxic effects against triple-negative breast cancer 4T1 and MDA-MB-231 cells. Remarkably, the CSSC-D with NIR exhibited the most potent tumor growth inhibition in comparison to other groups in the 4T1-bearing Balb/c mice model. Overall, this CSSC-D nanoplatform shows significant promise as a powerful tool for a synergetic approach in chemo-photodynamic therapy in triple-negative breast cancer.

In situ stimulus-responsive self-assembled nanomaterials for drug delivery and disease treatment

The individual motifs that respond to specific stimuli for the self-assembly of nanomaterials play important roles. In situ constructed nanomaterials are formed spontaneously without human intervention and have promising applications in bioscience. However, due to the complex physiological environment of the human body, designing stimulus-responsive self-assembled nanomaterials in vivo is a challenging problem for researchers. In this article, we discuss the self-assembly principles of various nanomaterials in response to the tissue microenvironment, cell membrane, and intracellular stimuli. We propose the applications and advantages of in situ self-assembly in drug delivery and disease diagnosis and treatment, with a focus on in situ self-assembly at the lesion site, especially in cancer. Additionally, we introduce the significance of introducing exogenous stimulation to construct self-assembly in vivo. Based on this foundation, we put forward the prospects and possible challenges in the field of in situ self-assembly. This review uncovers the relationship between the structure and properties of in situ self-assembled nanomaterials and provides new ideas for innovative drug molecular design and development to solve the problems in the targeted delivery and precision medicine.

Multifunctional nanoparticle for cancer therapy

Cancer is a complex disease associated with a combination of abnormal physiological process and exhibiting dysfunctions in multiple systems. To provide effective treatment and diagnosis for cancer, current treatment strategies simultaneously focus on various tumor targets. Based on the rapid development of nanotechnology, nanocarriers have been shown to exhibit excellent potential for cancer therapy. Compared with nanoparticles with single functions, multifunctional nanoparticles are believed to be more aggressive and potent in the context of tumor targeting. However, the development of multifunctional nanoparticles is not simply an upgraded version of the original function, but involves a sophisticated system with a proper backbone, optimized modification sites, simple preparation method, and efficient function integration. Despite this, many well-designed multifunctional nanoparticles with promising therapeutic potential have emerged recently. Here, to give a detailed understanding and analyzation of the currently developed multifunctional nanoparticles, their platform structures with organic or inorganic backbones were systemically generalized. We emphasized on the functionalization and modification strategies, which provide additional functions to the nanoparticle. We also discussed the application combination strategies that were involved in the development of nanoformulations with functional crosstalk. This review thus provides an overview of the construction strategies and application advances of multifunctional nanoparticles.

Hyaluronic Acid within Self-Assembling Nanoparticles: Endless Possibilities for Targeted Cancer Therapy

Self-assembling nanoparticles (SANPs) based on hyaluronic acid (HA) represent unique tools in cancer therapy because they combine the HA targeting activity towards cancer cells with the advantageous features of the self-assembling nanosystems, i.e., chemical versatility and ease of preparation and scalability. This review describes the key outcomes arising from the combination of HA and SANPs, focusing on nanomaterials where HA and/or HA-derivatives are inserted within the self-assembling nanostructure. We elucidate the different HA derivatization strategies proposed for this scope, as well as the preparation methods used for the fabrication of the delivery device. After showing the biological results in the employed in vivo and in vitro models, we discussed the pros and cons of each nanosystem, opening a discussion on which approach represents the most promising strategy for further investigation and effective therapeutic protocol development.

Gemini Surfactant Mediated Catansomes for Enhanced Singlet Oxygen Generation of Rose Bengal and Their Phototoxicity against Cancer Cells

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) is an innovative technique for cancer treatment with minimal side effects, based on the use of a photosensitizer, oxygen, and light. Photosensitizers (PSs) have several limitations, that may limit their clinical use, like poor solubilization, self-aggregation, and lack of specific targeting, which can be addressed with the use of nanomaterials. Herein, a unique type of catansomes (CaSs) was prepared using a gemini imidazolium-based surfactant (1,3-bis[(3-octadecyl-1-imidazolio)methyl]benzene dibromide (GBIB) and a double chain surfactant, diaoctyl sodium sulfosuccinate or Aerosol OT (AOT). The formation of CaS GBIB/AOT was optimized in various ethanol/water (E/W) solvent ratios by employing a facile, quick, and most reliable solution-solution mixing method. The CaS was characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and field emission gun scanning electron microscopy (FEG-SEM) techniques. The experimental results reveal that stable CaSs with a spherical shape were obtained at lower concentration (100 μM). Rose Bengal (RB), a PS of the xanthene family, was incorporated into these prepared CaSs, as proven by fluorescence spectroscopy, UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Singlet oxygen (¹O₂) generation studies revealed the relevant role of the E/W solvent ratio as there was a 4-fold boost in the ¹O₂ production for GBIB/AOT in E/W = 50:50 and around 3-fold in E/W = 30:70. Also, the GBIB-rich 80:20 fraction was more efficient in increasing the ¹O₂ generation as compared to the AOT rich fraction (20:80). Further, their phototoxicity was tested in a water-rich solvent ratio (E/W = 30:70) against MCF-7 cells. Upon irradiation with a 532 nm laser (50 mW) for 5 min, RB@GBIB/AOT(20:80) fraction caused 50% decrease in the metabolic activity of MCF-7 cells, and RB@GBIB/AOT(80:20) fraction produced a maximum 85% decrease in cell viability. Furthermore, the enhancement in intracellular ¹O₂ generation by RB@GBIB/AOT, as compared to pure RB, was confirmed with singlet oxygen sensor green (SOSG). This new type of CaS based on gemini surfactants exhibiting a large amount of ¹O₂ generation, holds great interest for several applications, such as use in photomedicine in future.

NIR-I Dye-Based Probe: A New Window for Bimodal Tumor Theranostics

Near-infrared (NIR, 650-1700 nm) bioimaging has emerged as a powerful strategy in tumor diagnosis. In particular, NIR-I fluorescence imaging (650-950 nm) has drawn more attention, benefiting from the high quantum yield and good biocompatibility. Since their biomedical applications are slightly limited by their relatively low penetration depth, NIR-I fluorescence imaging probes have been under extensive development in recent years. This review summarizes the particular application of the NIR-I fluorescent dye-contained bimodal probes, with emphasis on related nanoprobes. These probes have enabled us to overcome the drawbacks of individual imaging modalities as well as achieve synergistic imaging. Meanwhile, the application of these NIR-I fluorescence-based bimodal probes for cancer theranostics is highlighted.