Biocompatible self-illuminating sphingomyelin nanosystems for photodynamic-based cancer therapy

In recent years, personalized medicine has emerged as a key approach to potentially treat numerous diseases, in particular cancer. Within this field, nanotechnology has arisen as a promising tool with multiple biomedical applications, and organic nanoparticles stand out due to their improved translational prospects, primarily attributed to their biocompatibility and biodegradability. In this context, sphingomyelin nanoemulsions (SNs) are promising carriers for the delivery of innovative therapeutics and the advancement of novel anticancer therapeutics. Herein, we aimed to develop a new and novel type of biocompatible and biodegradable self-illuminating (SI) nanosystems for the treatment of pancreatic cancer by photodynamic therapy (PDT), upon association of the bioluminescent protein RLuc8 to SNs, and encapsulation of the photosensitizer Rose Bengal (SI-SNs). We present here a deep characterization of the developed SI-SNs and a first in vitro and in vivo proof of concept, highlighting the potential of this strategy for the development of innovative nanotherapeutics for pancreatic cancer.