Cell-Driven Encapsulation of Chlorophyllin-Based Carbon Dots within Exosomes for Enhanced Photodynamic Therapy: miRNA Profiling Reveals Mechanistic Insights

Besbinar, Omur ; Uyar, Recep ; Kirbas Cilingir, Emel ; Martín-Pardillos, Ana (Universidad de Zaragoza) ; Hueso, Jose L. ; Ceylan, Ahmet ; Ozgenc, Ozge ; Ekim, Okan ; Unal, Mehmet Altay ; Ari, Fikret ; Leblanc, Roger M. ; Santamaria, Jesus ; Yilmazer, Acelya

Resumen: Exosomes, nanoscale extracellular vesicles, have emerged as promising carriers in drug delivery due to their ability to bypass biological barriers, low toxicity, high stability, and intrinsic targeting capabilities. Mesenchymal stem-cell-derived exosomes (EXOMSC), with their natural tropism toward the tumor microenvironment, offer an ideal platform for enhancing therapeutic cargo delivery. In this study, we demonstrate an approach where red-emission chlorophyll-based carbon dots (Chl-CDs) were encapsulated within EXOMSC through a cell-driven uptake mechanism, creating CD@EXOMSC. These exosomes achieved superior photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficacy, requiring 40 times less nanomaterial compared to freestanding Chl-CDs. Mechanistic insights from glioblastoma cell miRNA profiling revealed that the enhanced efficacy was mediated by the regulation of efflux transporter genes, oxidative stress responses, and endocytosis pathways. This work highlights the synergistic potential of combining photosensitizers and miRNA-rich exosomes to achieve targeted and sustained therapeutic delivery, paving the way for a multifaceted approach in cancer therapy.

Idioma: Inglés

DOI: 10.1021/acsami.5c18555

Año: 2025

Publicado en: ACS applied materials & interfaces (2025), [16 pp.]
ISSN: 1944-8244

Tipo y forma: Article (Published version)

Área (Departamento): Área Toxicología (Dpto. Bioq.Biolog.Mol. Celular)