Summary
Published in J. Multidisciplinary Science Journal (2025), this study evaluated gold nanoparticles conjugated with Chlorin e6 (AuPs@Ce6) for photodynamic therapy (PDT) against triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) using 3D tumor spheroid models. Spheroids generated with 3D Petri Dish® micro-molds demonstrated significant dose-dependent cytotoxicity with enhanced reactive oxygen species generation and penetration into the 3D tumor structure.
🧬 Oncology
Evaluation of photodynamic therapy using AuPs@Ce6 in 3D cultures of triple-negative breast cancer
J. Multidisc. Sci J., 2025 · Ventura, A. et al 2025 Ventura, A. et al
Cite as: Citation: Ventura, A. et al. Evaluation of photodynamic therapy using AuPs@Ce6 in 3D cultures of triple-negative breast cancer. J. Multidisc. Sci J. 2025 doi.org/10.3390/j8040043
Key Discoveries
- Effective PDT against TNBC spheroids — AuPs@Ce6 nanoparticles demonstrated significant cytotoxicity against triple-negative breast cancer spheroids in a dose-dependent manner, offering a promising therapeutic approach for this aggressive cancer subtype.
- Enhanced ROS generation and penetration — The gold nanoparticle-photosensitizer conjugate showed enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and improved penetration depth into the three-dimensional tumor structure.
- Physiologically relevant drug testing — The 3D spheroid model enabled assessment of drug penetration depth, hypoxic core response, and overall therapeutic efficacy in conditions that better recapitulate the in vivo tumor microenvironment.
- Superior to 2D culture evaluation — Compared to traditional 2D cultures, the 3D spheroid approach provided more clinically relevant data on photodynamic therapy performance, particularly regarding diffusion barriers and oxygen gradients.
3D Petri Dish® Application
Microtissues 3D Petri Dish®