Functionalized nanohybrids with rod shape for improved chemo-phototherapeutic effect against cancer by sequentially generating singlet oxygen and carbon dioxide bubbles

Biomater Sci. 2023 Oct 10;11(20):6894-6905. doi: 10.1039/d3bm00541k.

Abstract

The application of hybrid nanocarriers is expected to play an active role in improving treatment of chemotherapy and phototherapy. Herein, a nanohybrid with a core of mesoporous silica nanorods and shell of folate-functionalized zeolite imidazole framework (ZIF-8/FA) was synthesized via polydopamine (PDA)-mediated integration. A chemotherapeutic drug (DOX), bubble generator (NH4HCO3, ABC), and photosensitive agent (ICG) were simultaneously loaded into the delivery system to construct smart ZIF-8/FA-coated mesoporous silica nanorods (IDa-PRMSs@ZF). We found that ICG endowed the designed delivery system with a moderate photothermal conversion efficiency of 26.06% and the capacity to release 1O2. The produced hyperthermia caused ABC to decompose and further generate carbon dioxide bubbles, thereby facilitating DOX release, sequentially. Importantly, the underlying mechanism was also investigated using mathematical kinetic modeling. The tumor inhibition rate of IDa-PRMSs@ZF under NIR irradiation reached 83.8%. This study provides a promising strategy based on rod-shaped nanohybrids for effective combination antitumor therapy.

MeSH terms

  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Doxorubicin / pharmacology
  • Humans
  • Hyperthermia, Induced*
  • Nanoparticles* / therapeutic use
  • Neoplasms* / drug therapy
  • Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Silicon Dioxide / therapeutic use
  • Singlet Oxygen

Substances

  • Singlet Oxygen
  • Carbon Dioxide
  • Doxorubicin
  • Silicon Dioxide