PEG-Folate from PolySciTech used in development of theranostic particle for breast cancer treatment

Theranostics refers to a method of treatment for cancer in which the applied therapy both treats and diagnosis the cancer. Typically, this relies on targeted nanoparticles which have specialized fluorescent properties in order to render cancer visible as well as deliver a therapeutic agent to the cancer cells to prevent their growth and proliferation. Recently, researchers at Wrocław University used Folate-PEG-NH2 (PolyVivo AE005) from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) to develop theranostic nanoparticles against breast cancer. This research holds promise to provide for improved therapies against this difficult to treat and potentially fatal disease. Read more: Wawrzyńczyk, Dominika, Urszula Bazylińska, Łukasz Lamch, Julita Kulbacka, Anna Szewczyk, Artur Bednarkiewicz, Kazimiera Wilk, and Marek Samoć. "FRET Activated Processes in Smart Nanotheranostics Fabricated in a Sustainable Manner." ChemSusChem (2018). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/cssc.201801441

“Abstract: The multilayer nanocarriers loaded with optically activated payloads are gaining increasing attention, due to their anticipated crucial role for providing new mechanisms of energy transfers in the health-oriented applications, as well as for energy storage and environment protection. The combination of careful selection of optical components for efficient Förster Resonance Energy Transfer, and surface engineering of the nanocarriers, allowed us to synthesize and characterize novel theranostic nanosystems for diagnosis and therapy of deep-seated tumors. The cargo, constrained within the oil core of the nanocapsules, composed of NaYF4:Tm+3,Yb+3 up-converting nanoparticles together with a second-generation porphyrin-based photosensitizing agent – Verteporfin, assured requisite diagnostic and therapeutic functions under near-infrared laser excitation. The outer polyaminoacid shell of the nanocapsules was functionalized with a ligand − poly(L-glutamic acid) functionalized by PEG-ylated folic acid − to ensure both “stealth” effect and active targeting towards human breast cancer cells. The preparation criteria of all nanocarriers building blocks meet the requirements for sustainable and green chemistry practices. The multifunctionality of the proposed nanocarriers is a consequence of both the surface functionalized organic exterior part, that was accessible for selective accumulation in cancer cells, and the hydrophobic optically active interior, which shows phototoxicity upon irradiation within the first biological window.”