A Novel Human Blood Plasma-Photosensitizer-Conjugated Nanocomplex for Selectively Killing Colon Cancer via Locally Photodynamic/Photothermal Therapy

Cancer cells exhibit some specific physiological differences compared to normal cells. Indeed, most surface membrane of cancer cells are characterized by high expression of given protein receptors, for instance, albumin, transferin and some growth factors that are all known to be also present in the plasma obtained from patient themselves, but are lacking on the surface of normal cells. These distinct features between cancer and normal cells can serve as a niche for developing specific treatment strategies. Near-infrared (NIR)-light-triggered therapy platforms are now considered as a novel and interesting avenue for use in clinical nanomedicine As a potential photothermal agent, nanoparticles using a conductive polymer, polypyrrole (PPy) show promessing applications in using hyperthermia mechanism in cancer treatment thanks to their great NIR light photothermal effect and good biocompatibility. Nevertheless, the photothermal application of PPy-based nanomaterials is still in its infancy owing to some physicochemical drawback such as hydrophobicity and needs to enhance stability. Designing PPy-based multifunctional nanomaterials for human cancer therapy should be one future strategy. We propose here that autologous plasma proteins are used for coating ppy nanoparticles to develop a technology platform for hyperthermia treatment of cancer. This novel approach can provide unique features such as specific targeting of cancer cell surface markers, immune transparence to avoid recognition by defense cells and longer circulating half-life. We anticipate that this technology platform could provide new clinical options for treating cancer patients, and create potential for developing clinical products and opportunities for the local biomedical industry.