Recent Advances in Biomimetic Nanocarrier-Based Photothermal Therapy for Cancer Treatment

Abstract

Nanomedicine presents innovative solutions for cancer treatment, including photothermal therapy (PTT). PTT centers on the design of photoactivatable nanoparticles capable of absorbing non-toxic near-infrared light, generating heat within target cells to induce cell death. The successful transition from benchside to bedside application of PTT critically depends on the core properties of nanoparticles responsible for converting light into heat and the surface properties for precise cell-specific targeting. Precisely targeting the intended cells remains a primary challenge in PTT. In recent years, a groundbreaking approach has emerged to address this challenge by functionalizing nanocarriers and enhancing cell targeting. This strategy involves the creation of biomimetic nanoparticles that combine desired biocompatibility properties with the immune evasion mechanisms of natural materials. This review comprehensively outlines various strategies for designing biomimetic photoactivatable nanocarriers for PTT, with a primary focus on its application in cancer therapy. Additionally, we shed light on the hurdles involved in translating PTT from research to clinical practice, along with an overview of current clinical applications.

Surface engineered nanodiamonds: mechanistic intervention in biomedical applications for diagnosis and treatment of cancer

“…Other than chemotherapy, NDs have also found place in phototherapy (PTT) of glioblastoma and cancer cells. In the past decades carbon allotropes have gained momentum, due to their ability to conjugate with multiple and diverse molecules, enable bio-imaging, therapeutics and high surface area, which exacerbates the photon-to-thermal energy conversion [139]. PTT involves use of a NIR to ablate cancer cells, using photo-absorbers, called photothermal agents.…”

Engineering Biomimetic Nanoparticles through Extracellular Vesicle Coating in Cancer Tissue Models

“…In response to these challenges, an innovative approach has emerged-biomimetic nanoparticles [7,8]. These biomimetic NPs offer a unique combination of desirable traits, including biocompatibility; immune evasion inspired by natural materials such as toxins, pathogens, cells, or cell membranes; and the customizable properties of synthetic nanoparticles.…”

“…Cell membranes, specifically those sourced from entities like red blood cells, cancer cells, platelets, or white blood cells, have been utilized to coat NPs [9,10]. However, a recent and promising trend involves using extracellular vesicles (EVs), including exosomes, as the natural material for biomimetic NP preparation [7,8].…”

“…The nature of these surface ligands varies depending on the source of the EVs [11]. Given their intrinsic targeting capabilities and low immunogenicity, EVs have emerged as an ideal surface coating for obtaining biomimetic NPs [7][8][9][10][11][12]. Several techniques for encapsulating NPs within EVs have been documented, including passive incubation, freeze/thaw cycling, surface conjugation, extrusion, electroporation, and sonication [12,13].…”

“…In this study, we labeled NB cells cultured within a 3D TE-model context with metallic nanostructures. Among various metallic NPs, iron oxide nanoparticles (IONs) are particularly promising for biomedical applications [7,15]. They possess the unique capability of converting light into heat and exhibit magnetism, making them suitable as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agents and magnetic hyperthermia effectors.…”