Porphyrin-Loaded Pluronic Nanobubbles: A New US-Activated Agent for Future Theranostic Applications

Bioconjug Chem. 2018 Feb 21;29(2):234-240. doi: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.7b00732. Epub 2018 Jan 31.

Abstract

Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) has become a promising noninvasive approach for cancer therapy. The treatment exploits the ability of particular molecules (i.e., porphyrins) to be excited by ultrasound and produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) during their decay process. These reactive species, in turn, result in cell death. To capitalize on the real-time visualization and on-demand delivery of ultrasound contrast agents, this study aims to combine porphyrins with nanobubbles (NBs) to obtain an ultrasound-activated theranostic agent that exploits the SDT activity in vitro. Two porphyrin classes, exposing different hydrophobic side chains, were synthesized. NB size and encapsulation efficiency were markedly dependent on the porphyrin structure. The combination of these porphyrin and NBs resulted in a significant reduction in cell viability upon sonication in pilot studies performed on the LS 174T colorectal cancer cell line.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Survival
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Colorectal Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Contrast Media / administration & dosage*
  • Contrast Media / chemistry
  • Contrast Media / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Microbubbles*
  • Poloxamer / chemistry*
  • Porphyrins / administration & dosage*
  • Porphyrins / chemistry
  • Porphyrins / pharmacology
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Theranostic Nanomedicine* / methods
  • Ultrasonography / methods

Substances

  • Contrast Media
  • Porphyrins
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • Poloxamer