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Updated: Aug 13, 2026
Manufacture and Drug Delivery Applications of Silk Nanoparticles
Published on: October 8, 2016
Light-Responsive Nanoparticles for Highly Efficient Cytoplasmic Delivery of Anticancer Agents
Yangyun Wang1, Yibin Deng1, Huanhuan Luo1
1School of Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, and School of Radiation Medicine and Protection, and ‡Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Translational Research and Therapy for Neuro-Psycho-Diseases, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Soochow University , Suzhou 215123, China.
Near-infrared light triggers novel nanoparticles to rapidly release anticancer drugs into cells. This approach enhances drug delivery for effective synergistic thermo-chemotherapy, leading to tumor ablation without regrowth.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
- Oncology
Background:
- Stimuli-responsive nanostructures are promising for intracellular drug delivery.
- Fast cytoplasmic delivery of anticancer agents remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design near-infrared (NIR) light-responsive nanoparticles for efficient cytoplasmic delivery of anticancer agents.
- To achieve synergistic thermo-chemotherapy for tumor ablation.
Main Methods:
- Development of drug-loaded polymeric nanoparticles of selenium-inserted copolymer (I/D-Se-NPs).
- NIR light exposure to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated selenium oxidation and nanoparticle dissociation.
- Assessment of drug release kinetics, cytoplasmic translocation, and lysosomal disruption.
- Integration with light-triggered hyperthermia for synergistic tumor ablation.
Main Results:
- I/D-Se-NPs rapidly dissociated within minutes upon NIR light exposure via ROS-mediated selenium oxidation.
- NIR irradiation promoted continuous drug release and facilitated cytoplasmic drug translocation through ROS-triggered lysosomal disruption.
- Preferential nuclear drug distribution was observed within 5 minutes postirradiation.
- Synergistic tumor ablation was achieved with no observed tumor regrowth.
Conclusions:
- NIR light-responsive I/D-Se-NPs enable rapid and efficient cytoplasmic delivery of anticancer agents.
- The developed nanoparticles combined with light-triggered hyperthermia offer a promising strategy for synergistic tumor ablation.
