Albumin-Based Cyanine Crizotinib Conjugate Nanoparticles for NIR-II Imaging-Guided Synergistic Chemophototherapy

Colorectalcancer (CRC) is presently the third deadliest cancerin the world. This malignant cancer usually precedes the progressionof precancerous lesions, and it is challenging to distinguish itsnuanced morphological changes. Molecular-based near-infrared-II (NIR-II)fluorescence imaging can effectively recognize lesion targets to improveimage contrast and increase early tumor detection compared with traditionalwide-light screening endoscopy. c-Met has been determined to be overexpressedin advanced stages of CRC and is considered to be a potent tumor biomarker.Herein, based on the well-targeted inhibitory effect of Crizotinibon c-Met positive tumor cells, the dye IR808 was covalently combinedwith the drug molecule Crizotinib, resulting in the synthesis of aNIR fluorescent probe Crizotinib-IR808 targeting c-Met positive tumorcells. Then, water-insoluble Crizotinib-IR808 was fabricated by usingbovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles (NPs) with excellent biocompatibilityand biosafety. The prepared Crizotinib-IR808@BSA NPs showed tumortargeting capability as well as use for noninvasive biomedical vascularNIR-II imaging with intraoperative real-time NIR-II imaging to guidetumor resection. Under 808 nm laser irradiation, Crizotinib-IR808@BSANPs exhibited synergistic chemophototherapy effects on tumors. Inconclusion, this innovative imaging-mediated multifunctional combinationtherapy strategy with good c-Met targeting ability may provide a newapproach for colorectal cancer treatment.

Automated summary

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third deadliest cancer worldwide. Near-infrared-II (NIR-II) fluorescence imaging can effectively detect CRC and improve early tumor detection. By targeting c-Met positive tumor cells, researchers synthesized a NIR fluorescent probe Crizotinib-IR808 using Crizotinib as the targeting drug. This probe was then encapsulated in bovine serum albumin (BSA) nanoparticles, which showed tumor targeting capability and noninvasive biomedical vascular NIR-II imaging for tumor resection guidance. Under laser irradiation, the Crizotinib-IR808@BSA nanoparticles exhibited synergistic chemophototherapy effects on tumors. This innovative combination therapy strategy with good c-Met targeting ability provides a new approach for colorectal cancer treatment.