Aptamer-conjugated mesoporous polydopamine for docetaxel targeted delivery and synergistic photothermal therapy of prostate cancer

Objectives It is imperative to develop efficient strategies on the treatment of prostate cancer. Here, we constructed multifunctional nanoparticles, namely AS1411@MPDA-DTX (AMD) for targeted and synergistic chemotherapy/photothermal therapy of prostate cancer. Materials and Methods Mesoporous polydopamine (MPDA) nanoparticles were prepared by a one-pot synthesis method, DTX was loaded through incubation, and AS1411 aptamer was modified onto MPDA by the covalent reaction. The prepared nanoparticles were characterized by ultra-micro spectrophotometer, Fourier transform infrared spectra, transmission electron microscope, and so on. The targeting ability was detected by selective uptake and cell killing. The mechanism of AMD-mediated synergistic therapy was detected by Western blot and immunofluorescence. Results The prepared nanoparticles can be easily synthesized and possessed excellent water solubility, stability, and controlled drug release ability, preferentially in acidic context. Based on in vitro and in vivo results, the nanoparticles can efficiently target prostate cancer cells, promote DTX internalization, and enhance the antitumor effects of chemo-photothermal therapy strategies under the NIR laser irradiation. Conclusions As a multifunctional nanoplatform, AS1411@MPDA-DTX could efficiently target prostate cancer cells, promote DTX internalization, and synergistically enhance the antiprostate cancer efficiency by combining with NIR irradiation.