mPEG-PLGA from PolySciTech used in development of cancer photodynamic therapy system

Photodynamic therapy is the process by which a specific photosensitizer is delivered to the tumor site and then the tissue is illuminated to activate the chemical for killing cancer cells. Recently, researchers at Universitat Ramon Llull (Spain) used mPEG-PLGA (PolyVivo AK102) from PolySciTech (www.polyscitech.com) as part of developing nanoparticles for delivering the photosensitizer ZnTriMPyP to cancer cells. This research holds promise to provide for improved cancer therapies in the future. Read more: de las Heras, Elena, Ester Boix‐Garriga, Francesca Bryden, Montserrat Agut, Margarita Mora, M. Lluïsa Sagristá, Ross W. Boyle, Norbert Lange, and Santi Nonell. "c (RGDfK)‐and ZnTriMPyP‐Bound Polymeric Nanocarriers for Tumor‐Targeted Photodynamic Therapy." Photochemistry and Photobiology. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/php.13238

“Abstract: Active targeting strategies are currently being extensively investigated in order to enhance the selectivity of photodynamic therapy. The aim of the present research is to evaluate if the external decoration of nanopolymeric carriers with targeting peptides could add more value to a photosensitizer formulation and increase antitumor therapeutic efficacy and selectivity. To this end, we assessed PLGA‐PLA‐PEG nanoparticles (NPs) covalently attached to a hydrophilic photosensitizer 5‐[4‐azidophenyl]‐10,15,20‐tri‐(N‐methyl‐4‐pyridinium)porphyrinato zinc (II) trichloride (ZnTriMPyP) and also to c(RGDfK) peptides, in order to target αvβ3 integrin‐expressing cells. In vitro phototoxicity investigations showed that the ZnTriMPyP‐PLGA‐PLA‐PEG‐c(RGDfK) nanosystem is effective at submicromolar concentrations, is devoid of dark toxicity, successfully targets αvβ3 integrin expressing cells, and is 10‐fold more potent than related nanosystems where the PS is occluded instead of covalently bound.”

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