Dual Conversion-Enabled Gelatin/CuS Platform for Synergistic Photothermal-Enhanced Chemodynamic Therapy With...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Low drug permeability hinders effective tumor therapy, leading to poor drug distribution, reduced cancer cell killing, and high recurrence rates.
• Existing combined therapies lack multi-modal responsiveness, limiting their therapeutic efficacy.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a versatile, multi-responsive nanoplatform for combined photothermal-chemodynamic-chemotherapy.
• To address poor drug permeability and single-mode responsiveness in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized pH-/enzyme-/NIR-responsive gelatin/CuS nanoclusters (iclusters) using electrostatic self-assembly.
• Loaded iclusters with doxorubicin (DOX) and JQ-1 as model drugs.
• Investigated the dual transformation mechanism of size and charge in the tumor microenvironment and evaluated therapeutic efficacy in vitro and in vivo.

Main Results:

• The icluster system demonstrated a dual transformation, enhancing tumor penetration and cellular uptake.
• Achieved high photothermal conversion efficiency and generated hydroxyl radicals for chemodynamic therapy.
• In vitro and in vivo studies showed significant inhibition of cancer cell lines and tumor growth.

Conclusions:

• The developed icluster nanoplatform offers precise drug delivery and deep tumor penetration.
• This multi-responsive system shows promise for overcoming drug permeability challenges in cancer therapy.
• The study presents a versatile nanoplatform for advanced combined cancer treatments.