Evaluation of theranostic nanocarriers for near-infrared imaging and photodynamic therapy on human prostate cancer cells

Current Trends in Cancer Nanotheranostics: Metallic, Polymeric, and Lipid-Based Systems

“…In a first approach to develop a combined theranostic nanocarrier, nanoemulsions and poly( d , l -lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanocapsules were produced, entrapping a photosensitizer molecule for PDT (chloro aluminum phtalocyanine) [104]. This molecule was used as a therapeutic agent and for tumor localization by confocal laser scanning microscopy after fluorescence promoted by NIR laser irradiation at 670 nm [104].…”

“…In a first approach to develop a combined theranostic nanocarrier, nanoemulsions and poly( d , l -lactide-co-glycolide) (PLGA) nanocapsules were produced, entrapping a photosensitizer molecule for PDT (chloro aluminum phtalocyanine) [104]. This molecule was used as a therapeutic agent and for tumor localization by confocal laser scanning microscopy after fluorescence promoted by NIR laser irradiation at 670 nm [104]. Both nanosystems presented a negative surface charge (approximately −40 mV) and a mean size around 200 nm, but nanocapsules were able to internalize the prostate cancer cells and promote phototoxicity more efficiently than nanoemulsions [104].…”

“…This molecule was used as a therapeutic agent and for tumor localization by confocal laser scanning microscopy after fluorescence promoted by NIR laser irradiation at 670 nm [104]. Both nanosystems presented a negative surface charge (approximately −40 mV) and a mean size around 200 nm, but nanocapsules were able to internalize the prostate cancer cells and promote phototoxicity more efficiently than nanoemulsions [104]. Other research groups proposed a polymeric nanogel (<200 nm), showing intrinsic photoluminescence and encapsulating a naturally fluorescent anticancer drug (doxorubicin) [105]; on the other hand, multi-layered PLGA nanoparticles (~200 nm) were produced for co-encapsulation of theranostic agents (e.g., curcumin, doxorubicin, hydrochloride, and indocyanine green), with chemotoxicity or phototoxicity profiles and intrinsic fluorescence, for a controlled pH-responsive release [106].…”

Photodynamic Therapy, a Potential Therapy for Improve Cancer Management

“…Most cationic photosensitizers have stronger water solubility properties and localize in mitochondria, yielding enhanced photodynamic activities [48,49]. Most of the photosensitizers that localize in mitochondria of certain kind of cancer cells, including breast cancer cells, show relatively high co-localization level in near nuclear areas such as endoplasmic reticulum, and are believed to be good candidates for photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy [50,51]. Reduced mitochondrial oxygen consumption, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibited activity of complexes (I to IV) are all often seen after photodynamic therapy-mediated by mitochondrial localizing photosensitizers, which have apoptosis-inducing capabilities [52,[49][50][51].…”

“…Most of the photosensitizers that localize in mitochondria of certain kind of cancer cells, including breast cancer cells, show relatively high co-localization level in near nuclear areas such as endoplasmic reticulum, and are believed to be good candidates for photodiagnosis and photodynamic therapy [50,51]. Reduced mitochondrial oxygen consumption, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and inhibited activity of complexes (I to IV) are all often seen after photodynamic therapy-mediated by mitochondrial localizing photosensitizers, which have apoptosis-inducing capabilities [52,[49][50][51]. Some lysosomal-localizing photosensitizers are hydrophilic and show excellent tumor destruction, they are usually associated with the induction of both apoptotic and necrotic responses following photodynamic therapy [53][54][55].…”