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Near-Infrared-Light-Activated Nanoplatform for Vascular-Targeted Photodynamic Therapy in a Port-Wine-Stain Model
Shuijing Zhang1,2,3, Junyi Zeng2,4, Yanfen Zou1
1Department of Dermatology, Institute of Dermatology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen Peking University-The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology Medical Center, Shenzhen 518036, China.
A novel nanoplatform using near-infrared light safely and effectively treats port-wine stains (PWS) by targeting deep vessels. This approach avoids the epidermal damage seen with visible light therapies, offering a safer and more durable solution for PWS treatment.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Photomedicine
- Nanotechnology
Background:
- Port-wine stains (PWS) are congenital capillary malformations often treated with visible-light photodynamic therapy (PDT).
- Visible-light PDT is limited by shallow penetration and potential thermal damage to the epidermis.
- Existing therapies struggle to effectively treat deeper vascular malformations without causing significant side effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a nanoplatform for near-infrared (NIR) activated photodynamic therapy (PDT) for PWS.
- To compare the efficacy and safety of NIR-PDT using UCNP@HMME with traditional visible-light PDT.
- To investigate a novel approach for deeper and safer vascular photoablation in a PWS model.
Main Methods:
- Engineered a UCNP@HMME nanoplatform to convert NIR light into visible emission.
- Activated hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) at depth using NIR light (980 nm).
- Compared NIR-PDT with visible-light PDT (532 nm) in a chicken wattle PWS model.
- Assessed therapeutic effects including purpura, bleaching, capillary reduction, and thermal profiles.
Main Results:
- UCNP@HMME with 980 nm irradiation demonstrated significant reduction in dermal capillaries and sustained antivascular effects.
- NIR-PDT resulted in immediate purpura and progressive bleaching without significant thermal injury.
- Visible-light PDT (532 nm) caused superficial bleaching but also induced blistering and ulceration due to elevated blood temperature.
- NIR activation effectively decoupled photochemical efficacy from epidermal heating, mitigating nonspecific thermal injury.
Conclusions:
- UCNP-mediated NIR activation offers a safer and more effective therapeutic strategy for PWS.
- This approach enables deeper vascular photoablation with reduced risk of epidermal damage.
- The developed nanoplatform shows promise for more durable and less invasive treatment of vascular malformations.
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