Microneedle Device Delivering Aggregation-Induced Emission Photosensitizers for Enhanced Metronomic Photodynamic Therapy of Cancer

Abstract

Metronomic photodynamic therapy (mPDT), which induces cancer cell death by prolonged intermittent continuous irradiation at lower light power, has profoundly promising applications. However, the photobleaching sensitivity of the photosensitizer (PS) and the difficulty of delivery pose barriers to the clinical application of mPDT. Here, we constructed a microneedle-based device (Microneedles@AIE PSs) that combined with aggregation-induced emission (AIE) PSs to achieve enhanced mPDT for cancer. Due to the strong anti-photobleaching property of the AIE PS, it can maintain superior photosensitivity even after long-time light exposure. The delivery of the AIE PS to the tumor through a microneedle device allows for greater uniformity and depth. This Microneedles@AIE PSsbased mPDT (M-mPDT) offers better treatment outcomes and easier access, and combining M-mPDT with surgery or immunotherapy can also significantly improve the effectiveness of these clinical therapies. In conclusion, M-mPDT offers a promising strategy for the clinical application of PDT due to its better efficacy and convenience.

Endoplasmic Reticulum-Targeting AIE Photosensitizers to Boost Immunogenic Cell Death for Immunotherapy of Bladder Carcinoma

“…In addition, the conventional photosensitizers usually suffer from the aggregation-caused quenching (ACQ) effect, which further diminishes their ROS generation ability. The emerging aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) represent a solution for this obstacle as the photophysical properties and ROS generation capabilities of AIEgens can be intensified in the aggregate state. ,,, …”

“…The emerging aggregation-induced emission luminogens (AIEgens) represent a solution for this obstacle as the photophysical properties and ROS generation capabilities of AIEgens can be intensified in the aggregate state. 35,36,40,41 While the exact mechanisms of PDT-induced ICD have not been fully discovered, numerous studies have demonstrated that ROS-triggered endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress plays a pivotal role in instigating the cellular danger signaling pathways that govern ICD. 42−45 For example, hypericin, a well-known ICD inducer, can selectively induce ROS production within ER elicit an augmented immunotherapy effect against bladder carcinoma in situ, which provides a valuable reference for bladder carcinoma treatment.…”