Nanosonosensitizers for Highly Efficient Sonodynamic Cancer Theranostics

Area of Science:

• Nanomedicine
• Biomedical Engineering
• Oncology

Background:

• Multifunctional nanoplatforms for theranostics (diagnostic imaging and targeted therapy) are crucial for precision nanomedicine.
• Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) combined with sonosensitizers and photoacoustic (PA) imaging offers potential for accurate cancer cell elimination.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct a core/shell-structured theranostic nanoplatform (FA-HMME-MNPs-PLGA NPs) for enhanced PA imaging-guided SDT.
• To evaluate the efficacy and biosafety of the nanoplatform for breast cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized core/shell nanoparticles integrating melanin nanoparticles (MNPs) for PA imaging and hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) as a sonosensitizer, functionalized with folate (FA).
• Investigated the nanoplatform's PA imaging contrast enhancement and SDT efficiency both in vitro and in vivo.
• Assessed the biosafety and tumor-targeting capabilities of the FA-HMME-MNPs-PLGA NPs.

Main Results:

• The FA-HMME-MNPs-PLGA NPs demonstrated high PA imaging contrast and significant SDT efficiency.
• The PLGA nanoplatform enhanced HMME's light stability and facilitated MNP delivery to tumors, revealing a synergistic effect between HMME and MNPs.
• In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed the nanoplatform's ability to induce reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated cancer cell death and suppress tumor growth with high biosafety.

Conclusions:

• A novel theranostic nanoplatform was successfully developed for PA imaging-guided SDT against breast cancer.
• The integrated MNPs and HMME within the nanoplatform enhance PA imaging and therapeutic outcomes.
• This multifunctional nanoplatform offers a promising approach for personalized nanomedicine.