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Biocompatible nanomicelles for sensitive detection and photodynamic therapy of early-stage cancer
Hailin Zhou1, Zhongyuan Qi1, Pei Pei1
1State Key Laboratory of Radiation Medicine and Protection, School of Radiation Medicine and Protection & School for Radiological and Interdisciplinary Sciences (RAD-X), Collaborative Innovation Center of Radiation Medicine of Jiangsu Higher Education Institutions, Soochow University, Suzhou 215123, Jiangsu, China. slhmz666@suda.edu.cn.
Abstract:
The lack of sensitive detection techniques and agents for early-stage tumors, which are characterized by small size, juvenile blood vessels and scarce secreted markers, has hampered timely cancer therapy and human well-being. Herein, the natural product pyropheophorbide-a (PPa) and FDA-approved Pluronic F127 are organized to develop F127-PPa nanomicelles with favorable size, red-shifted fluorescence and decent biocompatibility. After intravenous (i.v.) injection, the F127-PPa nanomicelles could not only accurately identify early-stage xenografted tumors, but also sensitively detect cancer metastasis in lungs through near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging. The fluorescence signals are consistent with radionuclide imaging, photoacoustic (PA) imaging and bioluminescence imaging of tumors, consolidating the reliability of using F127-PPa nanomicelles for sensitive cancer diagnosis in a non-invasive and low-cost manner. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity of small tumors is linearly correlated with the tumoral mass ranging from 10 to 120 mg with a fluorescence coefficient of 4.5 × 107 mg-1. Under the guidance of multimodal imaging, the tumors could be thoroughly eradicated by F127-PPa under laser irradiation due to efficient reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. These findings may provide clinically translatable agents and strategies for sensitive diagnosis of early-stage tumors and timely cancer therapy.
Insights
New nanomicelles made from pyropheophorbide-a and Pluronic F127 enable sensitive detection of early-stage cancers and metastasis using near-infrared fluorescence imaging, aiding timely diagnosis and therapy.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Early-stage tumors are difficult to detect due to small size and scarce markers, hindering timely cancer therapy.
- Sensitive diagnostic tools are crucial for improving patient outcomes and well-being.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel nanomicelles for sensitive detection and diagnosis of early-stage tumors and metastasis.
- To evaluate the efficacy of these nanomicelles in cancer imaging and therapy.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of F127-PPa nanomicelles from pyropheophorbide-a and Pluronic F127.
- Intravenous injection and near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence imaging in xenografted tumor models.
- Validation using radionuclide, photoacoustic (PA), and bioluminescence imaging.
- Assessment of tumor eradication via photodynamic therapy guided by multimodal imaging.
Main Results:
- F127-PPa nanomicelles exhibited favorable size, red-shifted fluorescence, and good biocompatibility.
- Accurate identification of early-stage xenografted tumors and lung metastasis via NIR fluorescence imaging.
- Linear correlation between fluorescence intensity and tumor mass (10–120 mg).
- Successful tumor eradication through F127-PPa-mediated photodynamic therapy under laser irradiation.
Conclusions:
- F127-PPa nanomicelles offer a sensitive, non-invasive, and cost-effective approach for early cancer diagnosis.
- These nanomicelles show potential as clinically translatable agents for sensitive tumor detection and timely cancer therapy.
