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Published on: September 17, 2013
Near-Infrared Light-Activated Oxygen Generator a Multidynamic Photo-Nanoplatform for Effective Anti-Cutaneous
Xin Zhang1,2,3, Xiangbo Bu4, Wenyu Jia1,2
1Department of Dermatology, the Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221002, People's Republic of China.
Introduction:
Nanophototherapy has emerged as a novel and promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment; however, its efficacy in dermatological tumors and precancerous lesions remains severely limited. This study aimed to use the gas-liquid injection technique to fully utilize the synergistic photodynamic therapy (PDT)/photothermal therapy (PTT) of nanomaterials to enhance the antitumor effect.
Methods:
A novel oxygen-generating nanocomposite (TSL-IR820-CAT) was synthesized by encapsulating the photosensitizer IR820 and catalase (CAT) using a matrix encapsulation method based on thermosensitive liposomes (TSL).-The liquid injection technology enhances the treatment of cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC). The combined PDT/PTT therapeutic effect of TSL-IR820-CAT on cSCC was investigated using in vivo and in vitro experiments.
Results:
TSL-IR820-CAT, with good stability, efficient drug release, and photothermal conversion ability, was successfully developed. Nanoparticles injected through a needle-free syringe efficiently accumulate in the tumor tissue. As TSL-IR820-CAT was consumed by A431 cells, some of it localized to the mitochondria and produced oxygen to relieve hypoxia, thereby enhancing the efficacy of PDT. PDT/PTT combination therapy resulted in irreversible apoptosis and inhibited cSCC growth. TSL-IR820-CAT coupled with gas-liquid injection was free from apparent systemic side effects.
Conclusion:
This article discusses new strategies and ideas for treating skin tumors and has significant application value.
Insights
This study introduces a novel nanocomposite (TSL-IR820-CAT) for enhanced photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) in skin cancer. Gas-liquid injection improves treatment efficacy and minimizes side effects for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC).
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Dermatology
- Oncology
Background:
- Nanophototherapy shows promise for cancer treatment but has limited efficacy for skin tumors.
- Existing treatments for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) require enhancement for better outcomes.
- Synergistic approaches combining photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photothermal therapy (PTT) are being explored.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a novel oxygen-generating nanocomposite for enhanced cancer therapy.
- To investigate the combined PDT/PTT effects of the nanocomposite using a gas-liquid injection technique for cSCC treatment.
- To assess the efficacy and safety of the developed therapeutic strategy in preclinical models.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of a thermosensitive liposome-encapsulated nanocomposite (TSL-IR820-CAT) containing IR820 and catalase.
- Utilized a gas-liquid injection technique for efficient delivery of the nanocomposite into tumor tissue.
- Evaluated the in vitro and in vivo therapeutic effects on cSCC, including cellular uptake, oxygen generation, apoptosis induction, and tumor inhibition.
Main Results:
- Successfully developed TSL-IR820-CAT with good stability, drug release, and photothermal conversion.
- Injected nanoparticles efficiently accumulated in tumor tissue, with localized oxygen production enhancing PDT efficacy.
- Combined PDT/PTT therapy induced irreversible apoptosis, inhibited cSCC growth, and showed no apparent systemic side effects.
Conclusions:
- The developed TSL-IR820-CAT nanocomposite effectively enhances PDT/PTT synergistic therapy for cSCC.
- Gas-liquid injection is a viable technique for improving the delivery and efficacy of nanomedicines in skin cancer treatment.
- This approach offers a promising strategy with significant application value for treating skin tumors and precancerous lesions.

