Characterization of nanoparticles combining polyamine detection with photodynamic therapy

Commun Biol. 2021 Jul 1;4(1):803. doi: 10.1038/s42003-021-02317-5.

Abstract

Polyamine detection and depletion have been extensively investigated for cancer prevention and treatment. However, the therapeutic efficacy is far from satisfactory, mainly due to a polyamine compensation mechanism from the systemic circulation in the tumor environment. Herein, we explore a new solution for improving polyamine detection as well as a possible consumption therapy based on a new photosensitizer that can efficiently consume polyamines via an irreversible chemical reaction. The new photosensitizer is pyrrolopyrroleaza-BODIPY pyridinium salt (PPAB-PyS) nanoparticles that can react with the over-expressed polyamine in cancer cells and produce two photosensitizers with enhanced phototoxicity on cancer destruction. Meanwhile, PPAB-PyS nanoparticles provide a simultaneous ratiometric fluorescence imaging of intracellular polyamine. This combination polyamine consumption with a chemical reaction provides a new modality to enable polyamine detection along with photodynamic therapy as well as a putative depletion of polyamines for cancer treatment and prevention.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Biogenic Polyamines / analysis*
  • Biogenic Polyamines / chemistry
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Nanoparticles / chemistry*
  • Neoplasms / chemistry
  • Neoplasms / drug therapy*
  • Neoplasms / prevention & control
  • Optical Imaging
  • Photochemotherapy / methods*

Substances

  • Biogenic Polyamines