Dual Photo Synergistic Therapy: Polydopamine Combined with Water-Soluble Phthalocyanine for Cancer Therapy

Abstract

Due to the dysfunctional cell proliferation, aggressive tumor growth and high mortality, cancer has become a major threat to human health. Nanocarriers are promising for cancer therapy, with nanophototherapy, including photodynamic(PDT) and photothermal therapy(PTT) attracting attention for its flexibility and minimal toxicity. In this work, Zn(II) phthalocyanines as a promising second-generation photosensitizer, and polydopamine acting as a photothermal agent and deliverer, are combined to construct a nanophototherapy system where PDT synergizes with PTT. Tetrasulfonatophenyl zinc phthalocyanine(ZPCS4) and polydopamine(PDA) nanomaterials are combined to synthesize a ZPCS4 driven PDA photothermal agent. ZPCS4 has good water solubility, while PDA acts as a photothermal nanocarrier, and has enhanced permeability and retention effects. Nanomaterials exhibit high singlet oxygen generation capability and photothermal properties. In vivo, the 4T1 tumor model demonstrates that nanomaterials can effectively inhibit tumor growth. Mouse blood analysis shows that the therapeutic effect of nanomaterials under dual irradiation(680 nm + 808 nm) is better than that under single irradiation. This indicates that the nanomaterial in dual photo synergistic therapy is effective for tumor treatment due to its potent antineoplastic effect and favorable biocompatibility.