Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 28, 2026

MR Molecular Imaging of Prostate Cancer with a Small Molecular CLT1 Peptide Targeted Contrast Agent
Published on: September 3, 2013
Hyaluronic Acid-Conjugated Fluorescent Probe-Shielded Polydopamine Nanomedicines for Targeted Imaging and
Heping Qiu1, Jianwu Wang1, Yi Zhi1
1Department of Urology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 401120, China.
Abstract:
Bladder cancer is one of the most common malignancies in the urinary system, with high risk of recurrence and progression. However, the difficulty in detecting small tumor lesions and the lack of selectivity of intravesical treatment seriously affect the prognosis of patients with bladder cancer. In the present work, a nanoparticle-based delivery system with tumor targeting, high biocompatibility, simple preparation, and the ability to synergize imaging and therapy was fabricated. Specifically, this nanosystem consisted of the core of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded polydopamine nanoparticles (PDD NPs) and the shell of hyaluronic acid (HA)-conjugated IR780 (HA-IR780). The HA-IR780-covered PDD NPs (HR-PDD NPs) demonstrated tumor targeting and visualization both in vitro and in vivo with properties of promoted cancer cell endocytosis and lysosomal escape, efficiently delivering drugs to the target site and exerting a killing effect on tumor cells. Encouragingly, intravesical instillation of HR-PDD NPs improved drug retention in the bladder and promoted its accumulation in tumor tissue, resulting in better tumor proliferation inhibition and apoptosis in an orthotopic bladder cancer model in rats. This study provides a promising strategy for the diagnosis and therapy of bladder cancer.
Insights
A novel nanoparticle system effectively targets and treats bladder cancer. This dual-action approach enhances drug delivery and visualization, improving therapeutic outcomes for bladder cancer patients.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Bladder cancer presents challenges in early detection and targeted treatment.
- Current intravesical therapies lack selectivity, impacting patient prognosis.
- Need for advanced systems combining diagnosis and therapy for bladder cancer.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a nanoparticle-based delivery system for synergistic bladder cancer imaging and therapy.
- To enhance tumor targeting, drug delivery, and therapeutic efficacy.
- To create a biocompatible and easily prepared nanosystem for bladder cancer management.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of doxorubicin (DOX)-loaded polydopamine nanoparticles (PDD NPs) with a hyaluronic acid (HA)-conjugated IR780 shell (HR-PDD NPs).
- In vitro and in vivo evaluation of tumor targeting, cellular uptake, and drug delivery efficiency.
- Assessment of intravesical instillation effects on drug retention, tumor accumulation, and therapeutic outcomes in a rat orthotopic bladder cancer model.
Main Results:
- HR-PDD NPs exhibited effective tumor targeting and visualization in vitro and in vivo.
- The nanosystem promoted cancer cell endocytosis and lysosomal escape, enhancing drug delivery.
- Intravesical instillation of HR-PDD NPs improved drug retention and tumor accumulation, leading to significant tumor inhibition and apoptosis.
Conclusions:
- The developed HR-PDD NPs offer a promising dual-modal (imaging and therapy) strategy for bladder cancer.
- This nanosystem demonstrates enhanced drug delivery, retention, and therapeutic efficacy in an orthotopic bladder cancer model.
- The study presents a viable approach for improving the diagnosis and treatment of bladder cancer.

