Near-infrared light and tumor microenvironment dual responsive size-switchable nanocapsules for multimodal tumor
Zhiyi Wang1,2, Yanmin Ju3, Zeeshan Ali1
1Beijing Key Laboratory for Magnetoelectric Materials and Devices, Department of Materials Science and Engineering, College of Engineering, Beijing Innovation Centre for Engineering Science and Advanced Technology, Peking University, 100871, Beijing, China.
Abstract:
Smart drug delivery systems (SDDSs) for cancer treatment are of considerable interest in the field of theranostics. However, developing SDDSs with early diagnostic capability, enhanced drug delivery and efficient biodegradability still remains a scientific challenge. Herein, we report near-infrared light and tumor microenvironment (TME), dual responsive as well as size-switchable nanocapsules. These nanocapsules are made of a PLGA-polymer matrix coated with Fe/FeO core-shell nanocrystals and co-loaded with chemotherapy drug and photothermal agent. Smartly engineered nanocapsules can not only shrink and decompose into small-sized nanodrugs upon drug release but also can regulate the TME to overproduce reactive oxygen species for enhanced synergistic therapy in tumors. In vivo experiments demonstrate that these nanocapsules can target to tumor sites through fluorescence/magnetic resonance imaging and offer remarkable therapeutic results. Our synthetic strategy provides a platform for next generation smart nanocapsules with enhanced permeability and retention effect, multimodal anticancer theranostics, and biodegradability.
Insights
New smart nanocapsules offer dual-responsive, size-switchable cancer therapy. These biodegradable systems enhance drug delivery and imaging for improved theranostics and tumor treatment.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Materials Science
- Biomedical Engineering
- Oncology
Background:
- Smart drug delivery systems (SDDSs) are crucial for cancer theranostics.
- Challenges remain in developing SDDSs with early diagnostic capabilities, effective drug delivery, and biodegradability.
- Current theranostic approaches require improved targeting and therapeutic efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop dual-responsive, size-switchable nanocapsules for enhanced cancer theranostics.
- To engineer nanocapsules with early diagnostic capabilities and efficient biodegradability.
- To investigate the synergistic therapeutic effects of combined chemotherapy and photothermal therapy.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of PLGA-polymer nanocapsules coated with Fe/FeO core-shell nanocrystals.
- Co-loading of chemotherapy drugs and photothermal agents into the nanocapsules.
- Evaluation of dual responsiveness to near-infrared light and tumor microenvironment (TME).
- Assessment of size-switchable properties and reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation.
- In vivo tumor targeting, imaging (fluorescence/magnetic resonance), and therapeutic efficacy studies.
Main Results:
- Developed dual-responsive, size-switchable nanocapsules that shrink upon drug release.
- Demonstrated TME regulation for enhanced ROS production, leading to synergistic therapy.
- Achieved effective tumor targeting and imaging via fluorescence and MRI.
- Observed remarkable therapeutic results in vivo, indicating significant tumor reduction.
- Confirmed biodegradability of the nanocapsule system.
Conclusions:
- The synthesized nanocapsules represent a next-generation platform for advanced cancer theranostics.
- The dual-responsive and size-switchable design enhances drug delivery and therapeutic outcomes.
- This approach offers improved permeability and retention effect (EPR) and multimodal anticancer treatment capabilities.
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