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FAP Targeting of Photosensitizer-Loaded Polymersomes for Increased Light-Activated Cell Killing
Michal Skowicki1,2, Dimitri Hürlimann1,2, Shabnam Tarvirdipour1
1Department of Chemistry, University of Basel, BPR 1096, Mattenstrasse 22, 4058 Basel, Switzerland.
Biomacromolecules
|January 24, 2024
Summary
Researchers developed targeted polymersome nanocarriers loaded with photosensitizers to improve cancer therapy. This approach enhances drug delivery and light-activated cell killing, reducing side effects associated with traditional treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Nanotechnology
- Cancer Therapeutics
Background:
- Current cancer therapies like chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy suffer from poor specificity and systemic toxicity, leading to severe side effects.
- There is a significant need for innovative therapeutic solutions that offer targeted delivery and controlled functionality for cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a novel polymersome nanocarrier system for targeted cancer therapy.
- To encapsulate photosensitizers within the nanocarrier for light-activated cell killing.
- To functionalize the nanocarrier with targeting ligands for enhanced cellular uptake in cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Self-assembly of polymersomes from PDMS-b-PMOXA diblock copolymers, incorporating photosensitizer Rose Bengal.
- Functionalization of polymersomes with fibroblast activation protein inhibitor (FAPi) as a targeting ligand.
- Evaluation of FAPi-polymersome uptake and cell-killing efficacy in MCF-7 breast cancer cells upon light irradiation.
Main Results:
- Polymersomes successfully encapsulated Rose Bengal, protecting the photosensitizer and facilitating its cellular uptake.
- FAPi-functionalized polymersomes demonstrated improved uptake in MCF-7 cells expressing fibroblast activation protein (FAP).
- Light activation of encapsulated Rose Bengal within internalized polymersomes generated sufficient reactive oxygen species to induce cancer cell death.
Conclusions:
- Polymersome nanocarriers offer a promising platform for targeted cancer therapy by combining photosensitizer encapsulation and specific ligand-mediated delivery.
- This targeted approach enhances the efficacy of photodynamic therapy while potentially minimizing systemic toxicity and side effects.
- The developed FAPi-polymersome system represents a viable candidate for advanced therapeutic nanocarriers in oncology.
