Laser-activatable oxygen self-supplying nanoplatform for efficiently overcoming colorectal cancer resistance by enhanced ferroptosis and alleviated hypoxic microenvironment

Abstract

Abstract Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most deadly cancer worldwide, with chemo-resistance remaining a major obstacle in CRC treatment. Notably, the imbalance of redox homeostasis-mediated ferroptosis and the modulation of hypoxic tumor microenvironment are regarded as new entry points for overcoming the chemo-resistance of CRC. Methods Inspired by this, we rationally designed a light-activatable oxygen self-supplying chemo-photothermal nanoplatform by co-assembling cisplatin (CDDP) and linoleic acid (LA)-tailored IR820 via enhanced ferroptosis against colorectal cancer chemo-resistance. In this nanoplatform, CDDP can produce hydrogen peroxide in CRC cells through a series of enzymatic reactions and subsequently release oxygen under laser-triggered photothermal to alleviate hypoxia. Additionally, the introduced LA can add exogenous unsaturated fatty acids into CRC cells, triggering ferroptosis via oxidative stress-related peroxidized lipid accumulation. Meanwhile, photothermal can efficiently boost the rate of enzymatic response and local blood flow, hence increasing the oxygen supply and oxidizing LA for enhanced ferroptosis. Results This nanoplatform exhibited excellent anti-tumor efficacy in chemo-resistant cell lines and showed potent inhibitory capability in nude mice xenograft models. Conclusions Taken together, this nanoplatform provides a promising paradigm via enhanced ferroptosis and alleviated hypoxia tumor microenvironment against CRC chemo-resistance. Graphical Abstract

Keywords

• Colorectal cancer
• Chemo-resistance
• Ferroptosis
• Chemo-photothermal therapy
• Hypoxia