Self-Assembly Nanoparticles for Overcoming Multidrug Resistance and Imaging-Guided Chemo-Photothermal Synergistic

Haiyan Gao1,2, Yan Bai1,2, Lijuan Chen1,2

  • 1Henan Provincial People's Hospital & Zhengzhou University People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, People's Republic of China.

Abstract

Insights

This study presents a novel theranostic system for treating multidrug-resistant (MDR) cancers. The system combines chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, and P-glycoprotein inhibition for enhanced tumor eradication.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Multidrug resistance (MDR) to chemotherapy is a significant challenge in cancer treatment.
  • Existing therapies often fail to eradicate tumors due to resistance mechanisms like P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To develop a multifunctional theranostic system for overcoming MDR in cancer.
  • To combine chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, and P-gp inhibition for synergistic anti-cancer effects.

Main Methods:

  • Synthesis of a self-assembling nanoparticle system (T/Dox-ICG) containing doxorubicin (Dox), indocyanine green (ICG), and TPGS.
  • Characterization of nanoparticles using TEM, SEM, DLS, and UV-vis-NIR spectroscopy.
  • In vitro evaluation of drug release, cellular uptake, P-gp inhibition via Western blot, and cytotoxicity assays.

Main Results:

  • T/Dox-ICG nanoparticles exhibited good monodispersity (19.03 nm) and sustained release of Dox and ICG.
  • TPGS effectively inhibited P-gp expression in MDR cancer cells.
  • Significant cytotoxicity was observed in MDR cells, with only 8.75% cell survival.

Conclusions:

  • The developed theranostic system shows promise for treating MDR cancers.
  • Simultaneous inhibition of drug transporters and monitoring of drug delivery are crucial for effective MDR cancer therapy.

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