Dual responsive albumin‑carbonized hemin nanohybrids for photochemotherapy of breast cancer: Insights from an optimized microfluidic device

Abstract

As a promising anticancer approach, phototherapeutics, in combination with current chemotherapeutic modalities, have recently been matured as an effective strategy to confront the prevailing shortcomings of conventional therapies. Herein, an anti-breast cancer photo-functional theranostic nanohybrid platform is constructed through a combination of light-responsive carbonized hemin nanoparticles (CHNPs), chemotherapeutic agent doxorubicin (DOX) linked with a pH-sensitive linker, and tagged with folic acid for target specificity to form a nanohybrid platform (FCHNPs). The developed FCHNPs are monodispersed with an average size of ∼2 nm, with the capability to enhance oxidative stress, which could further be amplified under exposure to light. Owing to the active targeting, the accumulation of FCHNPs is demonstrated to be significantly improved compared to CHNPs in MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, along with pH-regulated release of DOX. Further, the in vitro analysis on MDA-MB-231 cells demonstrated a four-fold increment in tumor killing rate compared to photo and chemo therapy alone. Further, the therapeutic efficiency of the FCHNPs was evaluated on an optimized microfluidic device to verify its performance across a 3D tumor microenvironment. This research work could facilitate the foundation of an innovative approach to construct a multifunctional platform for effective theranostic applications and translational research in cancer treatment.