Ultrasound triggered drug delivery for mitochondria targeted sonodynamic therapy

Abstract

Mitochondria, which play an essential effect in cell apoptosis, are targets for cancer treatment. Here, mitochondria targeted liposomes loaded with sonosensitizer for sonodynamic therapy (SDT) of caner were studied. The (3-Carboxypropyl) triphenylphosphonium bromide (TPP), was grafted onto the liposomes using cholesterol (Chol) as anchor for mitochondria targeting. The hematoporphyrin monomethyl ether (HMME), a hydrophobic sonosensitizer, was loaded in the liposomes. The release of HMME from liposomes could be triggered by the irradiation of an extra ultrasound due to the oxidation of the lipid in liposomes. After incubation with cancer cells, the TPP modified liposomes (Lipo-TPP) could accumulate in the mitochondria and assist the HMME to achieve greater cancer cell inhibition effect in SDT. This work gives insights into the design of mitochondria-targeted carrier for SDT of cancer.