Nanoparticulate photosensitizer decorated with hyaluronic acid for photodynamic/photothermal cancer targeting therapy

Abstract

Aim: A photomedicine consisting of a core for photothermal therapy, a photosensitizer for photodynamic therapy, and a cancer-targeting moiety was fabricated to improve photosensitizer selectivity and antitumor efficiency. Materials & methods: Hyaluronic acid-decorated polydopamine nanoparticles with conjugated chlorin e6 (HA–PDA–Ce6) were synthesized and characterized. Cell uptake, phototoxicity, penetration, distribution and therapeutic effects were evaluated. Results: HA–PDA–Ce6 had high photoactivities for photodynamic therapy/photothermal therapy and was readily internalized via CD44-mediated endocytosis. Enhanced accumulation and deeper penetration into tumors were achieved by the diffusion molecular retention tumor targeting effect following peritumoral injection. In the combination therapy, HA–PDA–Ce6 displayed the highest tumor growth inhibition in HCT-116 tumor-bearing mice. Conclusion: HA–PDA–Ce6 is promising for targeted colorectal cancer therapy.