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Updated: Oct 14, 2025
Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: December 1, 2016
CD44-targeted, indocyanine green-paclitaxel-loaded human serum albumin nanoparticles for potential image-guided drug
Karthik Thangavel1, Asha Lakshmikuttyamma1, Chellappagounder Thangavel2
1Department of Pharmaceutical Science, Jefferson College of Pharmacy, Thomas Jefferson University, USA; Department of Dermatology, Jefferson College of Pharmacy, Thomas Jefferson University, USA.
Abstract:
The use of multifunctional nanomedicines for image-guided drug delivery is currently being universally evaluated as a means of efficiently managing cancers and other diseases. In this study we evaluated the potential of an indocyanine green (ICG) and paclitaxel (PTX) loaded human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles that was conjugated with hyaluronic acid for use in image-guided drug delivery targeted to CD44-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Series of NSCLC cell lines were evaluated for the expression of CD44 using both western blot analysis and qRT-PCR and compared to a normal lung fibroblast cell line (MRC-5). Using Fluorescence microscopy and photoacoustic imaging (PA), we explored the ability of these targeted nanoparticles to selectively accumulate in NSCLC cell lines in comparison to MRC-5 and their potential for biomedical imaging towards their use for theranostic application. Results obtained suggest that these targeted nanoparticles have potential for application in both imaging and treatment of NSCLC.
Insights
Targeted nanoparticles loaded with indocyanine green (ICG) and paclitaxel (PTX) show promise for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) theranostics. These hyaluronic acid-conjugated human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles selectively target CD44-positive NSCLC for imaging and treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanomedicine
- Oncology
Background:
- Multifunctional nanomedicines are crucial for image-guided drug delivery in cancer management.
- Targeting CD44-positive non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a key strategy for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate indocyanine green (ICG) and paclitaxel (PTX) loaded human serum albumin (HSA) nanoparticles conjugated with hyaluronic acid for targeted NSCLC theranostics.
- To assess the potential of these nanoparticles for image-guided drug delivery and biomedical imaging in NSCLC.
Main Methods:
- CD44 expression in NSCLC cell lines and normal lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) was analyzed using western blot and qRT-PCR.
- Fluorescence microscopy and photoacoustic (PA) imaging were employed to evaluate nanoparticle accumulation in NSCLC cells.
- Targeted accumulation of nanoparticles in CD44-positive NSCLC versus MRC-5 cells was assessed.
Main Results:
- NSCLC cell lines exhibited significant CD44 expression compared to MRC-5 cells.
- Targeted nanoparticles demonstrated selective accumulation in CD44-positive NSCLC cells.
- Successful visualization of nanoparticle localization was achieved using fluorescence microscopy and PA imaging.
Conclusions:
- Hyaluronic acid-conjugated HSA nanoparticles loaded with ICG and PTX show potential as theranostic agents for NSCLC.
- These targeted nanoparticles enable image-guided drug delivery and selective accumulation in CD44-positive NSCLC.
- The developed nanomedicine platform holds promise for combined imaging and therapeutic applications in NSCLC management.
