Catalase-like nanosystem for interlocking trimodal cancer therapy with hypoxia relief

Hypoxia is a hallmark of solid tumors, and it significantly impairs the overall anticancer efficacy, particularly photodynamic therapy (PDT). Herein, a catalase-like nanovesicle with near-infrared light-responsiveness, that is, platinum/gold nanoshell encapsulated chlorin e6 (Ce6)/resveratrol (Res) liposome (Pt@Au-Ce6/Res-Lip), was developed to surmount this intractable issue. The Pt@Au-Ce6/Res-Lip can decompose overexpressed H2O2 in tumor microenvironment to produce vast amounts of O-2 for further enhancement of the PDT. Under the 808 nm laser irradiation, the Au nanoshells induced hyperthermia at the lesion site to ablate tumor cells, simultaneously inducing the controlled release of photosensitizer Ce6 and chemotherapeutic agent Res. Moreover, stimulated by 660 nm laser, numerous reactive oxygen species were formed to induce apoptosis and necrosis of tumor cells. With the cascade of trimodal therapeutic modality options (chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, and PDT), the Pt@Au-Ce6/Res-Lip showed ultrahigh tumor inhabitation rate in in vitro and in vivo studies, signifying that the Pt@Au-Ce6/Res-Lip nanovesicle is a promising candidate for effective cancer therapy.

Automated summary

The development of Pt@Au-Ce6/Res-Lip nanovesicle overcame the issue of hypoxia in solid tumors affecting the efficacy of PDT. This nanoparticle generated large amounts of oxygen in the tumor microenvironment and combined chemotherapy, photothermal therapy, and PDT to show highly effective anticancer effects.