Nonemissive Ruthenium Complexes for Near Infrared-II Photodynamic, Photothermal, Sonodynamic, and Sonothermal Therapy...

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Chemistry
• Oncology

Background:

• Cisplatin-resistant nonsmall cell lung cancer (NSCLC) presents a significant therapeutic challenge.
• Developing novel therapeutic strategies for deeply located tumors and overcoming drug resistance is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design and evaluate nonemissive Ru(II) complexes for synergistic multimodal therapy targeting drug-resistant NSCLC.
• To investigate the potential of NIR-II laser and ultrasound in combination therapy.

Main Methods:

• Synthesis and characterization of nine novel nonemissive Ru(II) complexes.
• Evaluation of photodynamic, photothermal, sonodynamic, and sonothermal properties under NIR-II irradiation and ultrasound.
• In vivo efficacy studies in mice bearing cisplatin-resistant NSCLC tumors.
• Two-photon absorption quantum chemical calculations.

Main Results:

• The Ru(II) complexes exhibited enhanced quantum yields for singlet oxygen and superoxide anions.
• Complex RY7 demonstrated complete tumor eradication in vivo with minimal dosage when treated with combined NIR-II laser and ultrasound.
• RY7 was promptly eliminated from the organism post-treatment.
• Two-photon absorption calculations provided insights for rational design.

Conclusions:

• Synergistic combination of NIR-II photodynamic/photothermal and sonodynamic/sonothermal therapy using a single-molecule sensitizer is a promising strategy for treating drug-resistant NSCLC.
• This approach may address challenges like tumor hypoxia and deep tumor location.
• The study provides a foundation for designing advanced photosensitizers and optical materials.