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Localized cancer photodynamic therapy approach based on core–shell electrospun nanofibers

Publication . Costa, Sofia M.; Lourenço, Leandro M.O.; Calhelha, Ricardo C.; Calejo, Isabel; Barrias, Cristina C.; Fangueiro, Raul; Ferreira, Diana P.

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been considered a promising treatment for several types of cancer, including cervical cancer. Localized drug delivery systems (DDSs) based on nanofibers produced by electrospinning have emerged as a powerful platform to carry and deliver photosensitizers (PSs) onto or adjacent to the tumor site, thereby promoting higher therapeutic efficacy and reducing the side effects to healthy tissues associated with systemic administration. In this work, core–shell electrospun nanofibers were produced using biodegradable polymers, such as poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and gelatin (Gel), to act as a localized DDS for the treatment of cervical cancer using PDT. The synthesized porphyrin (Por) was able to generate singlet oxygen (FD = 0.62) and displayed higher phototoxicity against tumor cells compared with healthy cells. The developed PVA–Gel membranes were fully characterized, revealing defect-free nanofibers with a core–shell structure. Different Por concentrations were added to the fibers’ core, and their presence and uniform distribution within the nanofibers were confirmed. The Por release profile from nanofibers showed an initial fast release stage, followed by continuous release for at least 9 days. The PVA–Gel + Por core–shell nanofibers exhibited a higher inhibition of cancer cell proliferation under light irradiation when compared to dark and a higher phototoxic effect against tumor cells compared with non-tumor cells. Overall, this study demonstrates the great potential of core–shell nanofibers to be used as localized DDSs of PSs for the treatment of cervical cancer.

2024Journal article

Open access