Fabrication of ZnPc/protein nanohorns for double photodynamic and hyperthermic cancer phototherapy

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2008 Sep 30;105(39):14773-8. doi: 10.1073/pnas.0801349105. Epub 2008 Sep 24.

Abstract

Multifunctionalization of carbon nanotubules is easily achieved by attaching functional molecules that provide specific advantages for microscopic applications. We fabricated a double photodynamic therapy (PDT) and photohyperthermia (PHT) cancer phototherapy system that uses a single laser. Zinc phthalocyanine (ZnPc) was loaded onto single-wall carbon nanohorns with holes opened (SWNHox), and the protein bovine serum albumin (BSA) was attached to the carboxyl groups of SWNHox. In this system, ZnPc was the PDT agent, SWNHox was the PHT agent, and BSA enhanced biocompatibility. The double phototherapy effect was confirmed in vitro and in vivo. When ZnPc-SWNHox-BSA was injected into tumors that were subcutaneously transplanted into mice, the tumors almost disappeared upon 670-nm laser irradiation. In contrast, the tumors continued to grow when only ZnPc or SWNHox-BSA was injected. We conclude that carbon nanotubules may be a valuable new tool for use in cancer phototherapy.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Humans
  • Hyperthermia, Induced / methods*
  • Indoles / chemistry*
  • Indoles / therapeutic use
  • Isoindoles
  • Lasers
  • Materials Testing
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred Strains
  • Nanotubes, Carbon / chemistry*
  • Neoplasm Transplantation
  • Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Organometallic Compounds / chemistry*
  • Organometallic Compounds / therapeutic use
  • Photochemotherapy / methods*
  • Photosensitizing Agents / chemistry*
  • Proteins / chemistry*
  • Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Serum Albumin, Bovine / chemistry
  • Serum Albumin, Bovine / therapeutic use
  • Zinc Compounds

Substances

  • Indoles
  • Isoindoles
  • Nanotubes, Carbon
  • Organometallic Compounds
  • Photosensitizing Agents
  • Proteins
  • Zinc Compounds
  • Zn(II)-phthalocyanine
  • Serum Albumin, Bovine