NIR-triggerable self-assembly multifunctional nanocarriers to enhance the tumor penetration and photothermal therapy efficiency for castration-resistant prostate cancer

• Published in: Discover nano 2023-03, Vol.18 (1), p.46-46, Article 46
• Main Authors: Li, Shuqiang, Ma, Yan, Ma, Chao, Shi, Lei, Li, Fan, Chang, Liansheng
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Anticancer properties; antineoplastic activity; Antitumor activity; Apoptosis; Biocompatibility; biosafety; Castration; Chemistry and Materials Science; Contrast agents; drugs; Efficiency; hydrodynamics; In vivo methods and tests; Iodides; Iron oxides; Irradiation; Laser damage; magnetism; Materials Science; Molecular Medicine; nanocarriers; Nanochemistry; Nanoparticles; Nanoscale Science and Technology; Nanotechnology; Nanotechnology and Microengineering; Penetration resistance; Photothermal conversion; photothermotherapy; Prostate cancer; prostatic neoplasms; Radiation damage; Self-assembly; Surface charge; Tumors
• ISSN: 2731-9229; 1931-7573; 2731-9229; 1556-276X
• DOI: 10.1186/s11671-023-03802-y

Great challenges still remain in the management of patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) based on traditional treatments, and the rapid development of nanotechnology may find a breakthrough. Herein, a novel type of multifunctional self-assembly magnetic nanocarriers (IR780-MNCs) containing iron oxide nanoparticles (Fe 3 O 4 NPs) and IR780 iodide was synthesized by an optimized process. With a hydrodynamic diameter of 122 nm, a surface charge of –28.5 mV and the drug loading efficiency of 89.6%, IR780-MNCs have increased cellular uptake efficiency, long-term stability, ideal photothermal conversion ability and excellent superparamagnetic behavior. The in vitro study indicated that IR780-MNCs have excellent biocompatibility and could induce significant cell apoptosis under the 808 nm laser irradiation. The in vivo study showed that IR780-MNCs highly accumulated at the tumor area could reduce the tumor volume of tumor-bearing mice by 88.5% under the 808 nm laser irradiation, but minimal damage to surrounding normal tissues. Since IR780-MNCs encapsulated a large number of 10 nm homogeneous spherical Fe 3 O 4 NPs, which can be used as T 2 contrast agent, the best window for photothermal therapy can be determined through MRI. In conclusion, IR780-MNCs have initially showed excellent antitumor effect and biosafety in the treatment of CRPC. This work provides novel insights into the precise treatment of CRPC by using a safe nanoplatform based on the multifunctional nanocarriers.