Photodynamic therapy at ultra-low NIR laser power and X-Ray imaging using Cu 3 BiS 3 nanocrystals

• Published in: Theranostics Vol. 8; no. 19; pp. 5231 - 5245
• Main Authors: Veeranarayanan, Srivani, Mohamed, M Sheikh, Poulose, Aby Cheruvathoor, Rinya, Masuko, Sakamoto, Yasushi, Maekawa, Toru, Kumar, D Sakthi
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Australia 2018
• Subjects: Adenocarcinoma - diagnostic imaging; Adenocarcinoma - therapy; Animals; Bismuth - administration & dosage; Cell Line, Tumor; Copper - administration & dosage; Disease Models, Animal; Heterografts; Humans; Low-Level Light Therapy - methods; Mice, Inbred BALB C; Mice, Nude; Nanoparticles - administration & dosage; Neoplasm Transplantation; Photochemotherapy - methods; Radiography - methods; Sulfides - administration & dosage; Theranostic Nanomedicine - methods; Treatment Outcome; anticancer therapy; near-infrared laser; x-ray contrast imaging; photodynamic therapy; reactive oxygen species
• ISSN: 1838-7640; 1838-7640
• DOI: 10.7150/thno.25286

Materials with efficient potential in imaging as well as therapy are gaining particular attention in current medical research. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been recently recognized as a promising treatment option for solid tumors. Still, most of the nanomaterial-based PDT modules either employ an additional photosensitizer or require high power laser sources. Also, they suffer from a lack of responsiveness in the near-infrared (NIR) region. Nanomaterials that could realize PDT independently (without any photosensitizer), at safe laser dose and in the deep tissue penetrative NIR region would definitely be better solid tumor treatment options. Herein, Cu- and Bi-based bimetal chalcogenide (Cu BiS ), with absorption in the NIR region was developed. High-performance PDT of cancer and high-contrast x-ray imaging of tumor were performed . Biocompatibility of the NCs was also assessed . The highlight of the results was the realization of ultra-low dose NIR laser-mediated PDT, which has not been achieved before, leading to complete tumor regression. This could be a breakthrough in providing a pain- and scar-less treatment option, especially for solid tumors and malignant/benign subcutaneous masses. Though the NCs are active in the photo-thermal therapy (PTT) regime as well, focus is given to the exciting aspect of extremely low power-induced PDT observed here. Their extended biodistribution with commendable hemo- and histo-compatibilities, along with imaging and multi-therapeutic capabilities, project these Cu BiS NCs as promising, prospective theranostic candidates.