Supramolecular nanoplatforms via cyclodextrin host-guest recognition for synergistic gene-photodynamic therapy

In clinical cancer treatment, the combination therapy as new therapeutic strategy has attracted more concerns to feature stronger anticancer efficacy and fewer side effects. Herein, a kind of cationic nanoplatform was fabricated to co-deliver gene and photosensitizer based on the supramolecular interaction between β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) and tetraphenylporphyrin (TPP), in which cationic poly (L-lysine) as genes delivery was modified by β-cyclodextrin (β-CD-PLL) and PEGylated TPP was used as water soluble photosensitizer (TPP-PEG). The structures of β-CD-PLL and TPP-PEG were characterized by 1 H NMR. The host-guest recognition between β-CD-PLL and TPP-PEG was verified by DLS and TEM. In vitro data indicated that this platform showed high DNA transfection efficiency and photodynamic effect for the combination of genetic and photodynamic therapy.