ROS-Responsive Nanoprobes for Bimodal Imaging-Guided Cancer Targeted Combinatorial Therapy

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive drug delivery systems offer potential to reduce chemotherapy side effects and improve efficacy.
• Current challenges include precise tumor targeting and controlled ROS-responsive drug release.
• Bimodal imaging guidance is crucial for real-time monitoring and control.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a ROS-responsive drug delivery system for targeted breast cancer therapy.
• To achieve precise drug delivery and controlled release guided by Fluorescence (FL) and Magnetic Resonance (MR) bimodal imaging.
• To mitigate chemotherapy-induced toxicity and enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of ICG/pB-DOX/Fe3O4/PLGA nanoparticles (IBFP NPs) encapsulating indocyanine green (ICG), doxorubicin (DOX) prodrug, and superparamagnetic iron oxide (SPIO).
• Functionalization of IBFP NPs with mammaglobin antibodies (mAbs) to create MIBFP NPs for breast cancer targeting.
• Evaluation of FL and MR bimodal imaging capabilities in vitro and in vivo, followed by assessment of combined photodynamic therapy (PDT) and chemotherapy efficacy.

Main Results:

• MIBFP NPs demonstrated significant targeting efficacy for breast cancer.
• FL and MR bimodal imaging successfully visualized MIBFP NP distribution in vivo.
• NIR laser irradiation of MIBFP NPs initiated ROS generation for PDT and activated DOX for chemotherapy, leading to enhanced tumor ablation.

Conclusions:

• MIBFP NPs represent a novel dual-modality imaging-guided drug delivery system for targeted breast cancer therapy.
• This system provides precise and controlled combined photodynamic and chemotherapy treatment options.
• The developed nanoparticles offer a promising strategy for improving breast cancer treatment outcomes.