Perfluorohexane-Loaded Polymeric Nanovesicles with Oxygen Supply for Enhanced Sonodynamic Therapy
Qiang Zeng1, Lijuan Qiao1, Lili Cheng1
1School of Biomedical Engineering, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, China.
ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering
|January 19, 2021
Summary
This study introduces novel nanovesicles that enhance sonodynamic therapy (SDT) by delivering oxygen and generating reactive oxygen species (ROS) to combat tumors. These nanovesicles effectively inhibit tumor growth, offering a promising solution for cancer treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) is a promising non-invasive cancer treatment, but its efficacy is limited by poor sonosensitizer accumulation and tumor hypoxia.
- Photodynamic therapy (PDT) shares similar limitations regarding light penetration, which SDT aims to overcome.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop an efficient liquid fluorocarbon-encapsulated polymeric nanovesicle for enhanced sonodynamic efficacy and tumor hypoxia relief.
- To investigate the potential of these nanovesicles in improving cancer treatment outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Construction of multifunctional nanovesicles using fluorinated cationic polymer (C9F17-PAsp(DET)) modified with PEG-conjugated protoporphyrin IX (PEG-PpIX).
- Simultaneous loading of perfluorohexane (PFH) and oxygen into the nanovesicles.
- In vitro and in vivo evaluation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, tumor hypoxia relief, and anti-tumor efficacy after intravenous injection.
Main Results:
- The constructed nanovesicles (PAsp(DET)-PpIX-PEG@PFH) generated ROS under ultrasound irradiation and prolonged ROS generation in vitro.
- Oxygen-loaded nanovesicles effectively relieved tumor hypoxia, reduced therapeutic resistance, and increased ROS production.
- In vivo studies demonstrated significant tumor growth inhibition, with nanovesicles accumulating at the tumor site.
Conclusions:
- The developed nanovesicle system offers an efficient approach for sonodynamic therapy by enhancing ROS generation and relieving tumor hypoxia.
- These nanovesicles show potential for improved cancer treatment, effectively accumulating in tumors and inhibiting growth.
