A photosensitive liposome with NIR light triggered doxorubicin release as a combined photodynamic-chemo therapy system

• Published in: Journal of controlled release 2018-05, Vol.277, p.114-125
• Main Authors: Li, Qingpo, Li, Wei, Di, Haixiao, Luo, Lihua, Zhu, Chunqi, Yang, Jie, Yin, Xiaoyi, Yin, Hang, Gao, Jianqing, Du, Yongzhong, You, Jian
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: A photosensitive liposome with NIR light triggered doxorubicin release as a combined photodynamic-chemo therapy system; A549 Cells; Animals; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic - administration & dosage; Antibiotics, Antineoplastic - metabolism; Chemotherapy; Doxorubicin - administration & dosage; Doxorubicin - metabolism; Drug Liberation - physiology; Graphical table of contents; Humans; Liposomes; Male; MCF-7 Cells; Mice; Mice, Nude; Near-infrared light; Photic Stimulation - methods; Photochemotherapy - methods; Photodynamic therapy; Photosensitive liposomes; Photosensitizing Agents - administration & dosage; Photosensitizing Agents - metabolism; Triggered drug release
• ISSN: 0168-3659; 1873-4995
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2018.02.001

The targeted drug delivery with the help of nanocarriers and the controlled drug release at the lesion sites are the most effective ways to enhance therapeutic efficacy and reduce side effects. Here, we built a light sensitive liposome (Her2-I&D-LSL) which was formed by a special phospholipid (PLsPC) and a hydrophobically modified photosensitizer (ICG-ODA). DOX was employed as the therapeutic drug, encapsulating in the internal phase of the liposome whose surface was modified by Her2 antibodies for recognizing tumor cells with high Her2 receptor expression. Mediated by NIR light, Her2-I&D-LSL was proved to generate sufficient ROS to realize PDT, which then triggered the release of DOX for combined chemotherapy. The ROS generation and DOX release were verified to be strictly controlled by NIR light and the proportion of ICG-ODA. Thanks to the mediation of Her2 receptor, the specific DOX release and the combination of PDT-chemotherapy triggered by NIR light, Her2-I&D-LSL showed a significant accumulation in MCF7 and SKOV3 tumors, thus leading to the strongest tumor growth inhibition effect compared to PDT alone (I-LSL) or chemotherapy alone (D-LSL). Her2-I&D-LSL also possessed a great biocompatibility due to the targeted treatment, holding promise for future cancer therapy in clinic. [Display omitted]