Supramolecular Core-Shell Nanoassemblies with Tumor Microenvironment-Triggered Size and Structure Switch for Improved...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Photothermal therapy (PTT) shows promise for cancer treatment but faces challenges like low efficiency and poor tumor penetration.
• Developing advanced nanocarriers is crucial to overcome PTT limitations for clinical applications.

Purpose of the Study:

• To construct core-shell hierarchical nanostructures using host-guest interactions for improved PTT.
• To engineer pH-responsive nanoplatforms with size-switchable properties for enhanced tumor accumulation and penetration.
• To significantly boost near-infrared-II absorption and photothermal conversion efficiency for effective cancer therapy.

Main Methods:

• Host-guest complexation between water-soluble pillar[5]arene (WP5) and polyethylene glycol-modified aniline tetramer (TAPEG) to form core-shell nanostructures.
• Exploiting pH-responsive behavior for nanoparticle size switching (200 nm at neutral pH, 60 nm at acidic pH).
• Investigating structural changes and п-conjugate extension for enhanced near-infrared-II absorption and photothermal conversion.

Main Results:

• Successfully constructed WP5⊃TAPEG core-shell nanostructures with pH-responsive size-switching capabilities.
• Achieved significantly enhanced absorption in the near-infrared-II region.
• Demonstrated a high photothermal conversion efficiency of 60.2% under acidic conditions.
• Showcased improved tumor accumulation and penetration due to size changes.

Conclusions:

• The developed intelligent nanoplatform offers a promising strategy for overcoming PTT limitations.
• The pH-responsive, size-switchable nanostructures enhance tumor targeting and penetration, leading to improved antitumor efficacy.
• This approach holds potential for advancing PTT in clinical cancer treatment.