Scientists from the Suzhou Institute of Biomedical Engineering and Technology (SIBET) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the South China University of Technology collaborated to create near-infrared (NIR)-powered nano-assemblies with size and charge dual transformation for the integration of photo-controlled chemotherapy and immunotherapy in breast cancer.
The findings of the study have been recently reported in Theranostics.
Nanotechnology has novel benefits in enhancing the bioavailability of substances that are poorly soluble, accomplishing well-regulated and targeted drug release, and incorporating various therapeutic methods on the same platform.
Nevertheless, there are many biological hurdles in real-world applications, including transvascular transport, blood circulation, dense tumor extracellular matrix and malformed tumor vessels, thus, the majority of the nanoparticles are mostly localized around the outer edges of the tumor, and it is hard to enter the tumor to exercise cell-killing effect.
During this study, the team engineered diselenide-bridged mesoporous organosilica nanoparticles as a reactive oxygen species (ROS)-responsive core for the loading of chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX). They then coated an indocyanine green (ICG)-hybrid N-isopropyl acrylamide layer to create a thermosensitive shell.
The negatively charged thermosensitive layer prevents DOX leakage, rendering prolonged blood circulation time and high tumor accumulation.
Wenfei Dong, Researcher, SIBET
When irradiated with NIR light, mild photothermal effects enable the dissociation of the thermosensitive shell to accomplish negative-to-positive surface charge reversal. In the meantime, ICG-produced ROS cleaves the diselenide bond of the organosilica core, resulting in quick matrix degradation that creates DOX-comprising smaller fragments (115-20 nm).
Such a NIR light-triggered charge and size dual-transformable nano-assembly allows tumor buildup and deep penetration, improves chemotherapy effectiveness and prompts strong immunogenic cell death effects in vivo and in vitro.
In animal research, integrated with programmed cell death protein-1 checkpoint blockade, the nano-platform considerably obstructed major tumor development and pulmonary metastasis of breast cancer, significantly decreasing the harmful side effects of free drugs.
This research offers a new system for a safe and effective combination treatment for breast cancer. The researchers will alter the antibodies on the surface of the nano-assembly to improve the active targeting of tumors and endeavor to use the platform to transport gene-editing tools for gene therapy of tumors.
News
Platelet-inspired nanoparticles could improve treatment of inflammatory diseases
Scientists have developed platelet-inspired nanoparticles that deliver anti-inflammatory drugs directly to brain-computer interface implants, doubling their effectiveness. Scientists have found a way to improve the performance of brain-computer interface (BCI) electrodes by delivering anti-inflammatory drugs directly [...]
After 150 years, a new chapter in cancer therapy is finally beginning
For decades, researchers have been looking for ways to destroy cancer cells in a targeted manner without further weakening the body. But for many patients whose immune system is severely impaired by chemotherapy or radiation, [...]
Older chemical libraries show promise for fighting resistant strains of COVID-19 virus
SARS‑CoV‑2, the virus that causes COVID-19, continues to mutate, with some newer strains becoming less responsive to current antiviral treatments like Paxlovid. Now, University of California San Diego scientists and an international team of [...]
Lower doses of immunotherapy for skin cancer give better results, study suggests
According to a new study, lower doses of approved immunotherapy for malignant melanoma can give better results against tumors, while reducing side effects. This is reported by researchers at Karolinska Institutet in the Journal of the National [...]
Researchers highlight five pathways through which microplastics can harm the brain
Microplastics could be fueling neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's, with a new study highlighting five ways microplastics can trigger inflammation and damage in the brain. More than 57 million people live with dementia, [...]
Tiny Metal Nanodots Obliterate Cancer Cells While Largely Sparing Healthy Tissue
Scientists have developed tiny metal-oxide particles that push cancer cells past their stress limits while sparing healthy tissue. An international team led by RMIT University has developed tiny particles called nanodots, crafted from a metallic compound, [...]
Gold Nanoclusters Could Supercharge Quantum Computers
Researchers found that gold “super atoms” can behave like the atoms in top-tier quantum systems—only far easier to scale. These tiny clusters can be customized at the molecular level, offering a powerful, tunable foundation [...]
A single shot of HPV vaccine may be enough to fight cervical cancer, study finds
WASHINGTON -- A single HPV vaccination appears just as effective as two doses at preventing the viral infection that causes cervical cancer, researchers reported Wednesday. HPV, or human papillomavirus, is very common and spread [...]
New technique overcomes technological barrier in 3D brain imaging
Scientists at the Swiss Light Source SLS have succeeded in mapping a piece of brain tissue in 3D at unprecedented resolution using X-rays, non-destructively. The breakthrough overcomes a long-standing technological barrier that had limited [...]
Scientists Uncover Hidden Blood Pattern in Long COVID
Researchers found persistent microclot and NET structures in Long COVID blood that may explain long-lasting symptoms. Researchers examining Long COVID have identified a structural connection between circulating microclots and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). The [...]
This Cellular Trick Helps Cancer Spread, but Could Also Stop It
Groups of normal cbiells can sense far into their surroundings, helping explain cancer cell migration. Understanding this ability could lead to new ways to limit tumor spread. The tale of the princess and the [...]
New mRNA therapy targets drug-resistant pneumonia
Bacteria that multiply on surfaces are a major headache in health care when they gain a foothold on, for example, implants or in catheters. Researchers at Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden have found [...]
Current Heart Health Guidelines Are Failing To Catch a Deadly Genetic Killer
New research reveals that standard screening misses most people with a common inherited cholesterol disorder. A Mayo Clinic study reports that current genetic screening guidelines overlook most people who have familial hypercholesterolemia, an inherited disorder that [...]
Scientists Identify the Evolutionary “Purpose” of Consciousness
Summary: Researchers at Ruhr University Bochum explore why consciousness evolved and why different species developed it in distinct ways. By comparing humans with birds, they show that complex awareness may arise through different neural architectures yet [...]
Novel mRNA therapy curbs antibiotic-resistant infections in preclinical lung models
Researchers at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai and collaborators have reported early success with a novel mRNA-based therapy designed to combat antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The findings, published in Nature Biotechnology, show that in [...]
New skin-permeable polymer delivers insulin without needles
A breakthrough zwitterionic polymer slips through the skin’s toughest barriers, carrying insulin deep into tissue and normalizing blood sugar, offering patients a painless alternative to daily injections. A recent study published in the journal Nature examines [...]
