Enhanced delivery of theranostic liposomes through NO-mediated tumor microenvironment remodeling.

Abstract

Highly efficient delivery of nanoagents to the tumor region remains the primary challenge for cancer nanomedicine. Herein, we propose a NO-mediated tumor microenvironment (TME) remodeling strategy for the high-efficient delivery of nanoagents into tumor. Quantum dots (QDs) with bright fluorescence in the near-infrared IIb (NIR-IIb, 1500-1700 nm) window and high photothermal conversion efficiency were encapsulated into liposomes for the imaging-guided photothermal therapy (PTT) of tumor. The fabrication of PEG and arginine-glycine-aspartate (RGD) peptide on liposomes ensured the prolonged circulation in vivo and active targeting to tumor. Moreover, the loading of a natural NO generator L-arginine in liposomes realized the continuous generation of NO in the acidic TME. By co-localization fluorescence imaging and western blot of tumor tissue, we confirmed that the release of NO activated the expression of metalloproteinases in TME and further degraded Collagen I in the peripheral region of the tumor, thus removing the barrier for the permeation of liposomes. Attributed to the enhanced accumulation of liposomes inside the tumor, NIR IIb imaging-guided PTT was achieved with remarkable therapeutic efficacy.

• Authors: Tao Tang, Biao Huang, Feng Liu, Ran Cui, Mingxi Zhang, Taolei Sun
• Journal: Nanoscale (Nanoscale) Vol. 14 Issue 20 Pg. 7473-7479 (May 26 2022) ISSN: 2040-3372 [Electronic] England
• PMID: 35503233 (Publication Type: Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Liposomes

Topics

• Cell Line, Tumor
• Humans
• Liposomes
• Nanoparticles (therapeutic use)
• Neoplasms (therapy)
• Phototherapy (methods)
• Precision Medicine
• Theranostic Nanomedicine (methods)
• Tumor Microenvironment