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Light-Activated Hypoxia-Responsive Nanoparticles for Photodynamic Chemotherapy
Dan Zhao1, Shunliang Zheng2, Xinyi Zuo2
1Department of Intensive Care Unit, The Affiliated Wuxi People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Wuxi People's Hospital, Wuxi 214023, Jiangsu, China.
ACS Omega
|June 16, 2025
Summary
This study introduces novel light-activated nanoparticles that target solid tumors. These nanoparticles combine photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy to effectively treat hypoxic tumors.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Tumor hypoxia is a major challenge in cancer treatment, leading to therapeutic resistance.
- Existing treatments often struggle to effectively penetrate and treat hypoxic tumor regions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop light-activated, hypoxia-responsive nanoparticles for synergistic cancer therapy.
- To investigate the combined efficacy of photodynamic therapy and chemotherapy in hypoxic solid tumors.
Main Methods:
- Synthesized nanoparticles (NPs-TPZ) incorporating 5,10,5,20-tetrakis-(4-aminophenyl)-porphine (TAPP), azobenzene, cyclodextrin (CD), and tirapazamine (TPZ).
- Utilized π-π stacking, host-guest, and hydrophobic interactions for nanoparticle assembly.
- Investigated nanoparticle behavior and therapeutic effects under near-infrared (NIR) irradiation.
Main Results:
- NIR irradiation initiated photodynamic therapy (PDT), generating singlet oxygen (¹O₂) and exacerbating tumor hypoxia.
- The enhanced hypoxia accelerated the release and activation of tirapazamine (TPZ).
- Demonstrated synergistic photodynamic chemotherapy (PDT-CT) for effective tumor ablation.
Conclusions:
- Developed a hypoxia-responsive nanoparticle system for targeted cancer therapy.
- The synergistic PDT-CT approach effectively overcomes tumor hypoxia challenges.
- This strategy offers a promising new avenue for treating hypoxic solid tumors.
