Dimeric Prodrug Nanoparticles for Synergistic Photodynamic/Chemotherapy

What is it about?

Biomimetic approach offers numerous opportunities to design therapeutic platforms with enhanced antitumor performance and biocompatibility. Herein we report red blood cell membrane-camouflaged nanoparticles (RBC(M(TPC-PTX))) for synergistic chemo- and photodynamic therapy (PDT). Specifically, the inner core is mainly constructed by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive PTX dimer (PTX2-TK) and photosensitizer 5,10,15,20-tetraphenylchlorin (TPC). In vitro experiments show that the prepared RBC(M(TPC-PTX)) is readily taken up into endosomes. Under appropriate light irradiation, the TPC can generate ROS, not only for PDT but also for triggering PTX2-TK cleavage and on-demand PTX release for chemotherapy. In vivo results show that the coating of RBC membrane prolongs blood circulation and improves tumor accumulation. The combination of chemo- and photodynamic therapy enhances anticancer therapeutic activity, and light-triggered drug release reduces systematic toxicity. All these characteristics render the described technology extremely promising for cancer treatment.

Featured Image

Why is it important?

The described technology unifies the biomimetic trait of RBC membranes, high drug loading, ondemand drug release, combination therapy, and excellent biocompatibility into one formulation, and the developed NPs are promising for cancer treatment.

Perspectives