Acid-responsive dextran-based therapeutic nanoplatforms for photodynamic-chemotherapy against multidrug resistance

Lin Liu1, Yanli Bao1, Yu Zhang1

  • 1Department of Chemistry, Northeast Normal University, Changchun 130024, PR China.

Insights

This study developed acid-sensitive nanoplatforms combining photodynamic and chemotherapy to overcome multidrug resistance (MDR) in cancer. The nanocarrier effectively delivered drugs and enhanced cancer cell apoptosis, offering a promising strategy for MDR reversal.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Cancer Therapeutics

Background:

  • Chemotherapy faces limitations due to multidrug resistance (MDR) and poor selectivity.
  • Nanoscale delivery systems offer improved control and efficacy for cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To construct acid-sensitive dextrin-based nanoplatforms (THDP) for combined photodynamic-chemotherapy.
  • To reverse multidrug resistance (MDR) and enhance anticancer efficacy.

Main Methods:

  • Supramolecular coordination of Zn-TPPS (photosensitizer) and HDP (histidine-modified dextrin-graft-PEG).
  • Loading doxorubicin (DOX) onto the nanoplatform (THDP@DOX) with an average size of 63 nm.
  • Utilizing acid-sensitive properties and photodynamic effects for controlled drug release and MDR reversal.

Main Results:

  • THDP@DOX showed good stability in circulation and enhanced cellular uptake due to PEG.
  • Acidic environments triggered controlled DOX release.
  • Photodynamic action of Zn-TPPS blocked DOX efflux and induced apoptosis, effectively reversing MDR.

Conclusions:

  • The combined photodynamic-chemotherapy approach using THDP@DOX shows significant potential for reversing MDR.
  • This nanoplatform offers a promising strategy for developing highly efficient cancer therapeutics.

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