Targeted nanoparticle delivery unleashes synergistic photothermal and immunotherapeutic effects against hepatocellular carcinoma.

ABSTRACT: The substantial mortality and morbidity of hepatocellular carcinoma, representing 90% of liver cancers, poses a significant health burden. The effectiveness of traditional hepatocellular carcinoma treatments such as surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy is limited, underscoring the need for innovative therapeutic strategies. To this end, we synthesized phthalyl-pullulan nanoparticles encapsulating IR780 (an NIR-responsive heptamethine cyanine dye) and R848 (resiquimod; a TLR7/8 agonist) (PIR NPs). Characterization confirmed the size and loading capacity of PIR NPs, and controlled release of R848 therefrom upon NIR irradiation, thereby establishing the potential of this versatile therapeutic tool. PIR NPs were readily taken up by Hepa 1-6 cells in vitro by targeting asialoglyco

SUBMITTER: Babu A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11657434 | biostudies-literature | 2024 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature