A RBC membrane-camouflaged biomimetic nanoplatform for enhanced chemo-photothermal therapy of cervical cancer

Due to the untargeted release of chemical drugs, the efficacy of chemotherapy is often compromised along with serious side effects on patients. Recently, the development of targeted delivery systems using nanomaterials as carriers has provided more alternatives for chemical drug transportation. In this study, we developed a novel targeted nanocomplex of GOQD-ICG-DOX@RBCM-FA NPs (GID@RF NPs). First, PEG modified graphene oxide quantum dots (GOQDs) were used to co-load the photosensitizer of indocyanine green (ICG) and DOX, to form GOQD-ICG-DOX NPs (GID NPs). Then, the red blood cell membrane (RBCM) was applied for GID NP camouflage to avoid immune clearance. Finally, folic acid was used to endow the targeting ability of GID@RF NPs. MTT assay showed that the survival rate of HeLa cells reduced by 71% after treatment with GID@RF NPs and laser irradiation. Meanwhile, membrane camouflage significantly prolonged the blood circulation time and enhanced the immune evading ability of GID NPs. Moreover, the drug accumulation at tumor sites was significantly improved through the strong interaction between FA and FA receptor highly expressed on the tumor cells. In vivo assay demonstrated the strongest tumor growth inhibition ability of the combinational chemo/photothermal therapy. H&E analysis indicated no significant abnormalities in the major organs of mice undergoing GID@RF NPs treatment. The level of blood and biochemical parameters remained stable as compared to the control. In summary, this combinational therapy system provides a safe, rapid and effective alternative for the treatment of cervical cancer in the future.