Intrinsically Disordered Polypeptides-Based Stealth Materials Enable Enhanced Photothermal Cancer Therapy Using an In...

Area of Science:

• Biomaterials Science
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Therapy

Background:

• Photothermal therapy faces challenges with nanoparticle stability, tumor accumulation, and laser delivery.
• Conventional methods struggle to deliver therapeutic agents effectively to deep tumor tissues.

Purpose of the Study:

• To design intrinsically disordered polypeptides (IDPs) as advanced stealth materials for enhanced photothermal cancer therapy.
• To develop and evaluate a novel contact-mode laser irradiation system for improved therapeutic outcomes.

Main Methods:

• Computationally designed hydrophilic IDP1 inspired by albumin.
• Conjugated IDP1 to lipid nanoparticles (NPs) encapsulating carbon nanohorns and indocyanine green (ICG).
• Developed a graded-index plastic optical fiber endoscope for image-guided, contact-mode laser irradiation.

Main Results:

• IDP1 exhibited a fourfold longer blood circulation half-life compared to PEG.
• IDP1-conjugated NPs showed efficient tumor accumulation and superior photothermal conversion (27% higher efficiency).
• Complete tumor regression was achieved in mice within 14 days with no recurrence or toxicity.

Conclusions:

• IDP1 serves as a versatile stealth biomaterial for cancer therapy.
• The combination of advanced NP design and contact-mode laser delivery offers a synergistic approach for effective cancer treatment.