Design and assembly of a nanoparticle, antibody, phthalocyanine scaffold for intracellular delivery of photosensitizer to human papillomavirus-transformed cancer cells

Elvin Peter Chizenga, Heidi Abrahamse

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

4 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

In photodynamic therapy (PDT), internalization and uptake of the photosensitizer (PS) by the cells is a passive process that relies on the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect of tumour tissues due to their vasculature, increased LDL receptors, and decreased lymphatic drainage in vivo. But as worries about PDT resistance grow, using passive techniques to administer PSs is becoming less and less viable. According to reported resistance mechanisms, it is necessary to improve PS delivery by changing PS absorption and bioavailability in order to enhance the therapeutic outcome. Therefore, in this study, a multifunctional photosensitizing agent with specific monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) to E6 oncoproteins was developed for PDT of human papillomavirus (HPV)-transformed cancer cells. Using PEGylated Gold Nanoparticles (PEGy-AuNP) at the core, anti-E6 mAbs and phthalocyanines were bound together. This compound demonstrated enhanced internalization of PS, resulting in enhanced PDT effects. In spite of being demonstrated in vitro, the substance in this work is intended for in vivo application, and conclusions are drawn to suggest possible outcomes for in vivo models based on observed data. By making PSs more bioavailable, facilitating their entry into cells, and preventing efflux through intracellular binding, this strategy may reduce cellular resistance to PDT.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)205-216
Number of pages12
JournalArtificial Cells, Nanomedicine and Biotechnology
Volume51
Issue number1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2023

Keywords

  • E6 oncoproteins
  • PEGylated gold nanoparticles
  • Photodynamic therapy
  • cellular uptake
  • monoclonal antibodies
  • multi-component drug

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Biotechnology
  • Medicine (miscellaneous)
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Pharmaceutical Science

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