Heavy-atomic construction of photosensitizer nanoparticles for enhanced photodynamic therapy of cancer.
A new type of heavy-atom-affected Pluronic (F-127) nanoparticle (FIC NP) for photodynamic therapy (PDT) is reported. FIC NPs are formulated with biocompatible constituents, and contain densely integrated iodinated aromatic molecules that form a structurally rigid core matrix and stably encapsulate photosensitizers in a monomeric form. Tiny nanoparticles (≈10 nm) are prepared by aqueous dispersion of photosensitizer-embedded aromatic nanodomains, which self-assemble by phase separation from the Pluronic melt mixture. By using spectroscopic studies and cellular experiments, the following is demonstrated: 1) enhanced singlet-oxygen generation by means of the intraparticle heavy-atom effect on the embedded photosensitizer, 2) facilitated cell uptake due to the small nanoscopic size as well as the Pluronic surface characteristics, and thereby 3) actual enhancement of PDT efficacy for a human breast-cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231), which validates a photophysically motivated nanoformulation approach toward an advanced photosensitizing nanomedicine.
Biomedical Science Center, Korea Institute of Science and Technology, 39-1 Hawolgok-dong, Seongbuk-gu, Seoul 136-791, Korea.
Chang-Keun
CK
Lim
Jiyoung
J
Shin
Yong-Deok
YD
Lee
Jungahn
J
Kim
Hoyong
H
Park
Ick Chan
IC
Kwon
Sehoon
S
Kim
D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D002470:Cell Survival / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy*; D010778:Photochemotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D017319:Photosensitizing Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000494:pharmacology*
D017319:Photosensitizing Agents