Multifunctional nanoplatform for enhanced photodynamic cancer therapy and magnetic resonance imaging

Abstract

Co-delivery of photosensitizers and synergistic agents by one single nanoplatform is interesting for enhancing photodynamic therapy (PDT) of cancer. Here, a multifunctional nanoplatform for enhanced photodynamic therapy and magnetic resonance imaging of cancer was constructed. The poly (lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) loaded with hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME) were coated with multifunctional manganese dioxide (MnO2) shells, which were designed as PLGA/HMME@MnO2 NPs. Once the NPs were effectively taken up by tumor cells, the intracellular H2O2 was catalysed by the MnO2 shells to generate O2. Meanwhile, the higher glutathione (GSH) promoted the degradation of MnO2 into Mn2+ ions with the ability of magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. After the degradation of outer layer, the release of photosensitizer was promoted. Under irradiation, the released HMME produced cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) to damage the tumor cells when the O2 was generated in the hypoxic tumor site. Furthermore, the decreased GSH level further inhibited the consumption of the produced ROS, which greatly enhanced the PDT efficacy. Therefore, this study suggested that this multifunctional system has the potential for enhanced photodynamic therapy and magnetic resonance imaging.