A versatile, stimulus-responsive nanoparticle-based platform for use in both sonodynamic and photodynamic cancer therapy

A PLGA-based multifunctional biodegradable nanoparticle platform co-harboring hematoporporphyrin and indocyanine green has been developed. In vitro studies demonstrate ultrasound and light stimulated generation of cytotoxic reactive oxygen species. In vivo studies demonstrate that the ICG component facilitates nIR fluorescence imaging that demonstrates accumulation of IV- administered nanoparticles in tumours. In vivo studies also demonstrate ultrasound- and light-mediated inhibition of tumor growth in animals treated with the platform. Since the platform consists entirely of clinically-approved agents it could find use in sonodynamic- and photodynamic-based therapies for cancer.