This study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the in vitro and in vivo performance of PLA stereocomplex micelles decorated with gold nanoparticles (PLA SC@Au) as a dual-functional platform for synergistic cancer therapy. The nanocarriers were designed to combine photothermal ablation with chemotherapy, leveraging the unique properties of both the stereocomplex core and the plasmonic shell. In vitro assessments focused on cytotoxicity, cellular uptake, drug release kinetics, and photothermal efficacy using HepG2 liver cancer cells.
Cell viability assays revealed that PLA SC@Au exhibited minimal toxicity even at concentrations up to 50 µg mL⁻¹, with over 60% of cells remaining viable after 24 hours, confirming excellent biocompatibility. Flow cytometry analysis demonstrated enhanced internalization of DOX-loaded PLA SC@Au nanoparticles compared to free DOX or non-conjugated micelles, indicating efficient cellular uptake facilitated by the polymer shell and nanoparticle surface interactions. Drug release studies showed that under NIR irradiation (808 nm, 1 W cm⁻²), more than 90% of encapsulated doxorubicin was released within 24 hours, whereas only about 40% was released in the dark. This accelerated release is attributed to the thermal disruption of the micellar structure induced by localized heating from gold nanoparticles.
The photothermal effect was further validated through live/dead cell assays using confocal fluorescence microscopy. Cells treated with PLA SC@Au and irradiated with NIR light displayed extensive red staining (propidium iodide), signifying membrane integrity loss and cell death, while untreated or non-irradiated controls maintained high green fluorescence (fluorescein diacetate), indicating intact viability.34233-69-7 custom synthesis These results confirm that the combination of localized hyperthermia and chemotherapeutic delivery leads to significantly enhanced tumor cell killing.
In vivo evaluation was conducted in a subcutaneous HepG2 xenograft mouse model. Mice were divided into six groups: PBS control, PBS + NIR, Au micelles, Au micelles + NIR, Au micelles/DOX, and Au micelles/DOX + NIR.50-65-7 Synonym Tumor volume was monitored daily for seven days.PMID:30499762 The combined treatment group (PLA SC@Au/DOX + NIR) achieved the most dramatic tumor suppression, reducing tumor volume to 28.4 ± 10.6 mm³—over 95% reduction compared to the control group (648.9 ± 24.4 mm³). Notably, the photothermal-only group showed tumor shrinkage comparable to the combination group, suggesting that photothermal ablation plays a dominant role, while chemotherapy contributes to sustained anti-tumor effects. Histopathological analysis via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining confirmed extensive necrosis and apoptosis in the combination therapy group, with minimal damage observed in other groups. Importantly, no significant changes in body weight or organ morphology were detected, indicating low systemic toxicity. Together, these findings establish PLA SC@Au as a safe, effective, and highly synergistic nanotherapeutic system capable of achieving potent tumor regression through integrated photothermal and chemotherapeutic action.MedChemExpress (MCE) offers a wide range of high-quality research chemicals and biochemicals (novel life-science reagents, reference compounds and natural compounds) for scientific use. We have professionally experienced and friendly staff to meet your needs. We are a competent and trustworthy partner for your research and scientific projects.Related websites: https://www.medchemexpress.com