Enhancing photodynamic therapy effects by a glutathione-responsive SO2 donor as nanocarriers for cancer therapy

Abstract

Herein, the nanodrugs DNS/Y6-DIN with excellent SO2 and ROS (reactive oxygen species) generation ability were constructed by a 2,4-dinitrobenzenesulfonamide group modified amphiphilic pillararene (WP5-PEG-DNS) and an A−D−A photosensitizer Y6-DIN. The ROS generation level of Y6-DIN was enhanced in the presence of WP5-PEG-DNS. Overall, a simple, safe and robust photodynamic and SO2 gas synergistic therapy nanoplatform was successfully built.