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Updated: Jun 30, 2025
Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: December 1, 2016
Synergistic effect of mesoporous silica nanocarrier-assisted photodynamic therapy and anticancer agent activity on
Burcu Güleryüz1,2, Ayşe Işık3, Murat Gülsoy4
1Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Bogazici University, Uskudar, Istanbul, 34684, Turkey. burcu.guleryuz@boun.edu.tr.
Abstract:
Investigating combined treatment methodologies is crucial for addressing the complex nature of cancer. As an emerging strategy, nano-biotechnology encourages the design of unique nanocarriers possessing simultaneous therapeutic application properties. This study aims to explore the combined effects of photodynamic and anticancer treatments using a multifunctional nanocarrier system co-administering the photosensitizer IR780 and the anticancer agent curcumin (Cur) on lung cancer cells. Nanocarriers were prepared by encapsulation IR780 and Cur inside polyethylene glycol-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (Cur&IR780@MSN). Various concentrations of nanocarriers were evaluated on A549 cells following 5 min NIR laser light (continuous wave, 785 nm, 500 mW/cm2) irradiation. The internalization of nanocarriers was observed through the fluorescence of Cur. Changes in cell viability were determined using the MTT assay and AO/PI staining. A scratch assay analysis was also performed to examine the impact of combined treatments on cell migration. Characterization of the nanocarriers revealed adequate hydrophobic drug loading, temperature-inhibited feature, enhanced reactive oxygen species generation, a pH-dependent curcumin release profile, and high biocompatibility. Cur&IR780@MSN, which enabled the observation of synergistic treatment efficacy, successfully reduced cell viability by up to 78%. In contrast, monotherapies with curcumin-loaded nanocarriers (Cur@MSN) and IR780-loaded nanocarriers (IR780@MSN) resulted in a 38% and 56% decrease in cell viability, respectively. The constructed Cur&IR780@MSN nanocarrier has demonstrated remarkable performance in the application of combination therapies for lung cancer cells. These nanocarriers have the potential to inspire future studies in tumor treatment methods.
Insights
This study developed novel nanocarriers combining photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy for lung cancer. The dual-drug system significantly enhanced cancer cell death compared to single treatments.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Nanomedicine
- Cancer Therapy
Background:
- Combined treatment strategies are essential for effective cancer therapy.
- Nanotechnology offers platforms for developing multifunctional nanocarriers for simultaneous drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the combined effects of photodynamic therapy (PDT) and chemotherapy using a novel nanocarrier system.
- To evaluate the efficacy of co-administering IR780 (photosensitizer) and curcumin (anticancer agent) loaded into mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) on lung cancer cells.
Main Methods:
- Developed polyethylene glycol-capped mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSN) co-encapsulating IR780 and curcumin (Cur&IR780@MSN).
- Assessed nanocarrier internalization, cell viability (MTT assay, AO/PI staining), and migration (scratch assay) in A549 lung cancer cells.
- Irradiated cells with NIR laser light (785 nm) post-treatment with nanocarriers.
Main Results:
- Cur&IR780@MSN demonstrated synergistic efficacy, reducing lung cancer cell viability by 78%.
- Monotherapies (Cur@MSN, IR780@MSN) resulted in lower cell viability reductions (38% and 56%, respectively).
- Characterization confirmed good drug loading, ROS generation, pH-dependent release, and biocompatibility.
Conclusions:
- The multifunctional Cur&IR780@MSN nanocarrier system shows significant potential for combination therapy in lung cancer.
- This approach offers a promising strategy for future cancer treatment development.
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