Xujiang Yu,Ang Li,Chengzhi Zhao,Kai Yang,Xiaoyuan Chen,Wanwan Li
Multifunctional nanomaterials with integrated diagnostic and therapeutic functions, combination therapy to enhance treatment efficacy, as well as low toxicity have drawn tremendous attentions. Herein, we report a multifunctional theranostic agent based on peptide (LyP-1)-labeled ultrasmall semimetal nanoparticles of bismuth (Bi-LyP-1 NPs). Ultrasmall Bi NPs (3.6 nm) were facilely synthesized using oleylamine as the reducing agent and exhibited a higher tumor accumulation after being conjugated with the tumor-homing peptide LyP-1. The abilities to absorb both ionizing radiation and the second near-infrared (NIR-II) window laser radiation ensured that Bi-LyP-1 NPs are capable of dual-modal computed tomography/photoacoustic imaging and efficient synergistic NIR-II photothermal/radiotherapy of tumors. Moreover, Bi-LyP-1 NPs could be rapidly cleared from mice through both renal and fecal clearance and almost completely cleared after 30 days. Such multifunctional nanoparticles as efficient cancer theranostic agents, coupled with fast clearance and low toxicity, shed light on the future use of semimetal nanoparticles for biomedicine.
Fengchun Tian,Fatima Zohra Dahmani,Jianan Qiao,Jiang Ni,Hui Xiong,Tengfei Liu,Jianping Zhou,Jing Yao
Several obstacles are currently impeding the successful treatment of breast cancer, namely impaired drug accumulation into the tumor site, toxicity to normal cells and narrow therapeutic index of chemotherapy, multidrug resistance (MDR) and the metastatic spread of cancer cells through the blood and lymphatic vessels. In this regard, we designed a novel multifunctional nano-sized drug delivery system based on LyP-1 peptide-modified low-molecular-weight heparin-quercetin conjugate (PLQ). This nanosystem was developed for targeted co-delivery of multiple anticancer drugs to p32-overexpressing tumor cells and peritumoral lymphatic vessels, using LyP-1 peptide as active targeting ligand, with the aim to achieve a targeted combinatorial chemo/angiostatic therapy and MDR reversal. The cellular uptake of PLQ nanoparticles by p32-overexpressing breast cancer cells was significantly higher than nonfunctionalized nanoparticles. Besides, the anti-angiogenic activity of PLQ nanoparticles was proven by the effective inhibition of the bFGF-induced neovascularization in subcutaneous Matrigel plugs. More importantly, PLQ/GA nanoparticles with better targeting ability toward p32-positive tumors, displayed a high antitumor outcome by inhibition of tumor cells proliferation and angiogenesis . Immunohistochemistry and western blot assay showed that PLQ/GA nanoparticles significantly disrupted the lymphatic formation of tumor, and inhibited the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) expression in MCF-7 tumor cells, respectively. In conclusion, PLQ/GA nanoparticles provide a synergistic strategy for effective targeted co-delivery of chemotherapeutic and antiangiogenic agents and reversing MDR and metastasis in breast cancer. Statement of Significance Herein, we successfully developed a novel amphiphilic nanomaterial , LyP-1-LMWH-Qu (PLQ) conjugate, consisting of a tumor-targeting moiety LyP-1, a hydrophobic quercetin (a multidrug resistance [MDR]–reversing drug) inner core, and a hydrophilic low-molecular-weight heparin (an antiangiogenic agent) outer shell for encapsulating and delivering a hydrophobic chemotherapeutic agent (gambogic acid). This versatile nanoplatform with multiple targeted features, i.e., dual chemo/angiostatic effects, destruction ability of the peritumoral lymphatic vessels, and reversal of MDR, resulted in a significantly stronger antitumor efficacy and lower toxic side effect than those of nontargeted nanoparticles and the free drug solution. Therefore, this versatile nanosystem might provide a novel insight for the treatment and palliation of breast cancer by targeted co-delivery of chemo/antiangiogenic agents and reversing MDR and metastasis.