A novel near-infrared triggered dual-targeted nanoplatform for mitochondrial combined photothermal-chemotherapy of cancer in vitro

Exploring Thioxanthone Derivatives as Singlet Oxygen Photosensitizers for Photodynamic Therapy at the Near-IR Region

In the lowest excited triplet state, the excited photosensitizer reacts with tissue oxygen and forms reactive oxygen species (ROS), which kills tissue cells in photodynamic therapy (PDT). Metal-free thio-based pure organic molecules and analogous nucleobases can be used as photosensitizers for PDT applications. Using quantum chemical methods, we studied one- and two-photon optical absorptions, fluorescence, and other excited-state properties of substituted thioxanthone derivatives for their potential as photosensitizers for PDT. Our calculated values were compared with the available experimental data. The calculation of the intersystem crossing rate constant for these photosensitizers explains the high quantum yield of the formation of ROS, as reported experimentally. The excited triplet-state population of the photosensitizer occurs through the 1π-π* → 3n-π* channel of intersystem crossing and increases in the presence of halogen substitution.

Indocyanine Green (ICG) and Colorectal Surgery: A Literature Review on Qualitative and Quantitative Methods of Usage

Background: Due to its many benefits, indocyanine green (ICG) has gained progressive popularity in operating rooms (ORs) globally. This literature review examines its qualitative and quantitative usage in surgical treatment. Method: Relevant terms were searched in five international databases (1. Pubmed, 2. Sciencedirect, 3. Scopus, 4. Oxfordjournals, 5. Reaxys) for a comprehensive literature review. The main benefits of using ICG in colorectal surgery are: intraoperative fluorescence angiography; fluorescence-guided lymph node involvement detection and the sentinel technique; the fluorescent emphasis of a minute liver tumour, counting just 200 tumour cells; facilitation of fistula diagnosis; and tumour tattooing. This methodology can also be used with quantitative characteristics such as maximum intensity, relative maximum intensity, and in-flow parameters such as time-to-peak, slope, and t1/2max. This article concludes that fluorescence surgery with ICG and near-infrared (NIR) light is a relatively new technology that improves anatomical and functional information, allowing more comprehensive and safer tumour removal and the preservation of important structures.

Enhanced antitumor effect via amplified oxidative stress by near-infrared light-responsive and folate-targeted nanoplatform

The efficiency of producing hydroxyl radicals (·OH) from hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) catalyzed by different iron compounds have been explored extensively. Exclusively, ferrocenecarboxylic acid (FCA) showed the best catalyzed activity for ·OH generation. Then, we designed and prepared near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive and folate-targeted nanoplatform, which co-delivered FCA, cisplatin and indocyanine green (ICG) for improving antitumor therapy through amplified oxidative stress. The noteworthy observation is that under the irradiation of NIR light, the lecithin structure could able to depolymerize through the photothermal conversion mechanism of encapsulated dye ICG, which has achieved an intelligent release of drugs. In addition, the released cisplatin is not only fully effective to damage the DNA of cancer cells but it is able to induce the production of intracellular H₂O₂, which could further be catalyzed by FCA to generate toxic ·OH for oxidative damage via Fenton and Haber-Weiss reaction. This original strategy may provide an efficient way for improved chemotherapy via amplified oxidative stress.

One-for-all intelligent core-shell nanoparticles for tumor-specific photothermal-chemodynamic synergistic therapy

Reasonable management of the one-for-all nanoplatform can facilitate improved cancer therapy. Here, the metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) based on iron(iii) carboxylate material (MIL-101-NH₂) were in situ decorated on stabilized polydopamine nanoparticles (PDANPs), which subsequently loaded glucose oxidase (GOx) via hyaluronic acid (HA) coating to structure the one-for-all intelligent core-shell nanoparticles (HG-MIL@PDANPs). Because of the inner PDANPs, the HG-MIL@PDANPs could realize near-infrared (NIR)-controllable site-specific photothermal therapy (PTT). Additionally, the core-shell nanoparticles exhibited a pH-triggered and NIR-reinforced release of Fe³⁺ and GOx owing to the controllable degradation of the outer shell. Hydroxyl radicals (˙OH) were produced for chemodynamic therapy (CDT) employing the Fe²⁺-driven Fenton reaction, which could be greatly promoted by Fe³⁺-involved glutathione (GSH) depletion and GOx-catalyzed acidity recovery and H₂O₂ self-sufficiency. Moreover, the HA ligand could enhance the tumor accumulation of the HG-MIL@PDANPs through the long blood circulation time and CD44-targeted cell recognition. The ingenious integration of PTT and CDT in one fully equipped system presented excellent synergistic antitumor efficiency in vitro and in vivo with favorable biosafety. The one-for-all intelligent core-shell nanoparticles with CD44 targeting provide a new avenue for engineering on-demand tumor-specific therapy.

Multimodal image-guided folic acid targeted Ag-based quantum dots for the combination of selective methotrexate delivery and photothermal therapy

Multifunctional quantum dots (QDs) with photothermal therapy (PTT) potential loaded with an anticancer drug and labelled with a targeting agent can be highly effective nano-agents for tumour specific, image-guided PTT/chemo combination therapy of cancer. Ag-chalcogenides are promising QDs with good biocompatibility. Ag₂S QDs are popular theranostic agents for imaging in near-infrared with PTT potential. However, theranostic applications of AgInS2 QDs emitting in the visible region and its PTT potential need to be explored. Here, we first present a simple synthesis of small, glutathione (GSH) coated AgInS₂ QDs with peak emission at 634 nm, 21% quantum yield, and excellent long-term stability without an inorganic shell. Ag2S-GSH QDs emitting in the near-infrared region (peak emission = 822 nm) were also produced. Both QDs were tagged with folic acid (FA) and conjugated with methotrexate (MTX). About 3-fold higher internalization of FA-tagged QDs by folate-receptor (FR) overexpressing HeLa cells than HT29 and A549 cells was observed. Delivery of MTX by QD-FA-MTX reduced the IC50 of the drug from 10 μg/mL to 2.5-5 μg/mL. MTX release was triggered at acidic pH, which was further enhanced with local temperature increase created by laser irradiation. Irradiation of AgInS₂-GSH QDs at 640 nm (300 mW) for 10 min, caused about 10 °C temperature increase but did not cause any thermal ablation of cells. On the other hand, Ag₂S-GSH-FA based PTT effectively and selectively killed HeLa cells with 10 min 808 nm laser irradiation via mostly necrosis with an IC₅₀ of 5 μg Ag/mL. Under the same conditions, IC₅₀ of MTX was reduced to 0.21 μg/mL if Ag₂S-GSH-FA.

Smart Porous Core-Shell Cuprous Oxide Nanocatalyst with High Biocompatibility for Acid-Triggered Chemo/Chemodynamic Synergistic Therapy

The rational integration of chemotherapy and hydroxyl radical (·OH)-mediated chemodynamic therapy (CDT) holds great potential for cancer treatment. Herein, a smart biocompatible nanocatalyst based on porous core-shell cuprous oxide nanocrystals (Cu₂ O-PEG (polyethylene glycol) NCs) is reported for acid-triggered chemo/chemodynamic synergistic therapy. The in situ formed high density of hydrophilic PEG outside greatly improves the stability and compatibility of NCs. The porosity of Cu₂ O-PEG NCs shows the admirable capacity of doxorubicin (DOX) loading (DOX@Cu₂ O-PEG NCs) and delivery. Excitingly, Cu (Cu^+/2+ ) and DOX can be controllably released from DOX@Cu₂ O-PEG NCs in a pH-responsive approach. The released Cu⁺ exerts Fenton-like catalytic activity to generate toxic ·OH from intracellular overexpressed hydrogen peroxide (H₂ O₂ ) for CDT via reactive oxygen species (ROS)-involved oxidative damage. Exactly, DOX can not only induce cell death for chemotherapy but also enhance CDT by self-supplying endogenous H₂ O₂ . After the intravenous injection, Cu₂ O-PEG NCs can effectively accumulate in tumor region via passive targeting improved by external high-density PEG shell. Additionally, the effect of boosted CDT combined with chemotherapy presents excellent in vivo antitumor ability without causing distinct systemic toxicity. It is believed that this smart nanocatalyst responding to the acidity provides a novel paradigm for site-specific cancer synergetic therapy.

Smart Design of Nanomaterials for Mitochondria-Targeted Nanotherapeutics

Mitochondria are the powerhouse of cells. They are vital organelles that maintain cellular function and metabolism. Dysfunction of mitochondria results in various diseases with a great diversity of clinical appearances. In the past, strategies have been developed for fabricating subcellular-targeting drug-delivery nanocarriers, enabling cellular internalization and subsequent organelle localization. Of late, innovative strategies have emerged for the smart design of multifunctional nanocarriers. Hierarchical targeting enables nanocarriers to evade and overcome various barriers encountered upon in vivo administration to reach the organelle with good bioavailability. Stimuli-responsive nanocarriers allow controlled release of therapeutics to occur at the desired target site. Synergistic therapy can be achieved using a combination of approaches such as chemotherapy, gene and phototherapy. In this Review, we survey the field for recent developments and strategies used in the smart design of nanocarriers for mitochondria-targeted therapeutics. Existing challenges and unexplored therapeutic opportunities are also highlighted and discussed to inspire the next generation of mitochondrial-targeting nanotherapeutics.

A pH-activated autocatalytic nanoreactor for self-boosting Fenton-like chemodynamic therapy

The emergence of hydroxyl radical (˙OH)-mediated chemodynamic therapy (CDT) by the Fenton or Fenton-like reaction holds great potential for improving anticancer efficacy. Herein, an activatable autocatalytic nanoreactor (HT@GOx-DMONs) was developed for self-boosting Fenton-like CDT via decorating Cu²⁺-based metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) on glucose oxidase (GOx)-loaded dendritic mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles (DMONs) for the first time. The obtained nanoreactor could prevent the premature leakage of Cu²⁺ and GOx in neutral physiological environments conducted by the gatekeeper of growing carboxylate MOF (HKUST-1), but the explosive release of agents was realized due to the activated degradation of external HKUST-1 in acidic condition of endo/lysosomes, which thereby endowed this nanoreactor with the performance of pH-triggered ˙OH generation driven by Cu⁺-mediated autocatalytic Fenton-like reaction. Excitingly, Cu²⁺-induced glutathione (GSH) depletion and GOx-catalyzed H₂O₂ self-sufficiency unlocked by acid dramatically enhanced ˙OH generation. As expected, the effect of self-amplified CDT based on Cu²⁺-containing HT@GOx-DMONs presented wonderful in vitro toxicity and in vivo antitumor ability without leading to significant side-effects. The resulting nanoreactor with GSH consumption and H₂O₂ self-supply activated by acid may provide a promising paradigm for on-demand CDT.

Biodegradable Mesoporous Organosilica Nanosheets for Chemotherapy/Mild Thermotherapy of Cancer: Fast Internalization, High Cellular Uptake, and High Drug Loading

The choice of nanocarriers is crucial to fabricate ideal therapeutic nanoplatform in the treatment of cancer. Considering the advantages brought by the two-dimensional (2D) materials with atomic thickness in drug loading and cellular uptake, herein, novel 2D biodegradable mesoporous organosilica nanosheets (MONSs) are presented, and their application in chemotherapy/mild thermotherapy of cancer is studied by loading chemotherapy drug doxorubicin (DOX) and conjugating ultrasmall CuS nanoparticles. It is found that the loading of DOX in MONSs is as high as 859 μg/mg due to their large surface area and intermediate void structure. The release of DOX from MONSs is intelligently controlled by pH value, glutathione (GSH) concentration, and laser irradiation. Excitingly, in comparison with traditional spherical mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles, as-prepared MONSs not only show more rapid degradation but also exhibit faster internalization and higher cellular uptake efficiency due to their larger aspect ratios and unique cellular internalization approach of 2D materials. A mild thermotherapy induced by ultrasmall CuS nanoparticles can further promote the cellular uptake and improve chemotherapy efficacy. The in vitro and in vivo experimental results reveal that the theranostic nanoplatform based on degradable MONSs has excellent biocompatibility and anticancer effects. Therefore, MONSs are expected to be a competitive alternative to existing silica-based nanomaterials in antitumor treatment.

A novel versatile yolk-shell nanosystem based on NIR-elevated drug release and GSH depletion-enhanced Fenton-like reaction for synergistic cancer therapy

In this study, a versatile doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded yolk-shell nano-particles (HMCMD) assembled with manganese dioxide (MnO₂) as the core and copper sulfide (HMCuS) as the mesoporous (∼ 6.4 nm) shell, was designed and synthesized. The resulting HMCMD possess excellent photothermal conversion efficiency. The DOX release from the yolk-shell nanoparticles could be promoted by laser irradiation, which increased the chemotherapy of DOX. Meanwhile, Mn²⁺ could be released from the HMCMD through a redox reaction between MnO₂ and abundant glutathione (GSH) in tumor cells. The released Mn²⁺ could promote the decomposition of the intracellular hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) by Fenton-like reaction to generate the highly toxic hydroxyl radicals (·OH), thus exhibiting the effective chemodynamic therapy (CDT). Additionally, the efficiency of Mn²⁺-mediated CDT could be effectively enhanced by NIR irradiation. Further modification of polyethylene glycol (PEG) would improve the water solubility of the HMCMD to promote the uptake by MCF-7 cells. Hence, the HMCMD with synergistic effects of chemotherapy and chemodynamic/photothermal therapy would provide an alternative strategy in antitumor research.

Cetuximab-modified silica nanoparticle loaded with ICG for tumor-targeted combinational therapy of breast cancer

Combinational therapy is usually considered as a preferable approach for effective cancer therapy. Especially, combinational chemo and photothermal therapy is of particular interest due to its high flexibility as well as efficiency. In this article, we the silica nanoparticles (SLN) were surface conjugated with Cetuximab (Cet-SLN) to target epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), a common receptor that usually observed to overexpress in multiple breast cancers. Moreover, the high drug loading capacity of Cet-SLN was employed to encapsulate photothermal agent indocyanine green (ICG) to finally fabricate a versatile drug delivery system (DDS) able to co-deliver Cet and ICG (Cet-SLN/ICG) for combinational chemo-photothermal therapy of breast cancer. The obtained results clearly demonstrated that Cet-SLN/ICG was well-dispersed nanoparticles with preferable stability under physiological condition. Furthermore, due to the conjugation of Cet, Cet-SLN/ICG could target EGFR which overexpress in MCF-7 cells. Most importantly, both in vitro and in vivo results suggested that compared with Cet or ICG alone, the Cet-SLN/ICG showed superior anticancer efficacy. In conclusion, Cet-SLN/ICG could be a potential platform for effective combinational chemo-photothermal therapy for breast cancer.

Nanobiomaterials: from 0D to 3D for tumor therapy and tissue regeneration

Nanobiomaterials have attracted tremendous attention in the biomedical field. Especially in the past few years, a large number of low dimensional nanobiomaterials, including 0D nanostructures, 1D nanotubes and 2D nanosheets, were employed for tumor therapy due to their optically triggered tumor therapy effects and drug loading capacities. However, these low dimensional nanobiomaterials cannot support cell adhesion and possess poor tissue regeneration ability, thus they are not suitable for application in regenerative medicine. Three dimensional (3D) nanofiber scaffolds have attracted extensive attention in tissue regeneration, including bone, skin, nerve and cardiac tissues, due to their similar extracellular matrix structures. Additionally, many 3D scaffolds displayed bone and cartilage regeneration abilities. Therefore, to obtain materials with both tumor therapy and tissue regeneration abilities, it is meaningful and necessary to develop 3D nanobiomaterials with multifunctions. In this review, we systematically review the research progress of nanobiomaterials with varied dimensional structures including 0D, 1D, 2D and 3D, as well as evolutional functions from single tumor therapy to simultaneous tumor therapy and tissue regeneration. This review may pave the way for developing an interdisciplinary research of nanobiomaterials in combination of tumor therapy and regenerative medicine.

The antitumor activity of 4,4′-bipyridinium amphiphiles

The cell growth inhibition and apoptosis induction of 4,4′-bipyridinium amphiphiles.

The synthesis of an antifungal 1,2,4-triazole drug and the establishment of a drug delivery system based on zeolitic imidazolate frameworks

Schematic representation of a drug delivery system based on ZIF-8 for the therapy of invasive Candida albicans infections.

A novel pH-responsive hollow mesoporous silica nanoparticle (HMSN) system encapsulating doxorubicin (DOX) and glucose oxidase (GOX) for potential cancer treatment

The multi-therapy modality is based on the combination and synergy of multiple single treatment modalities and materials chemistry.