Conclusion
Our results present a modular self-assembled nanomicellar platform with synergistic chemo-photodynamic therapy for challenging PDT-based tumor treatment.
Methods
The nanomicelle was prepared by a coordination-driven self-assembly based on a rationally designed ferrocene cyclopalladated compound coupled with photosensitizers and hyaluronic acid (referred to as FCP-Tph/HA). The morphology, targeting drug delivery, pharmacokinetics, hemolysis, and multimodal synergistic therapy of FCP-Tph/HA were investigated.
Results
The formation of nanomicelles presents a low hemolysis rate and a prolonged blood circulation time. FCP-Tph/HA possesses an enhanced antitumor effect in vitro through the specific binding of HA to CD44 and combining chemotherapy with oxygen self-supplying PDT. Simultaneously, the nanomicelle facilitates a significantly improved antitumor efficacy (>90% tumor regression) on a breast cancer model in vivo.