Hypocrellin B and paclitaxel-encapsulated hyaluronic acid–ceramide nanoparticles for targeted photodynamic therapy in lung cancer

• Hyaluronic acid–ceramide nanoparticles were prepared for lung cancer targeted PDT.
• Combination therapy of chemotherapy and PDT was performed against lung cancer.
• In vitro and in vivo antitumor efficacies were enhanced by prepared nanoparticles.
• Developed nanoparticles were suggested as a potential drug delivery system in PDT

To increase the therapeutic efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) in treating lung cancer, we developed both photosensitizer and anticancer drug encapsulated hyaluronic acid–ceramide nanoparticles. Based on our previous study, a co-delivery system of photosensitizers and anticancer agents greatly improves the therapeutic effect of PDT. Furthermore, hyaluronic acid–ceramide-based nanoparticles are ideal targeting carriers for lung cancer.In vitro phototoxicity in A549 (human lung adenocarcinoma) cells and in vivo antitumor efficacy in A549 tumor-bearing mice treated with hypocrellin B (HB)-loaded nanoparticles (HB-NPs) or hypocrellin B and paclitaxel loaded nanoparticles (HB–P-NPs) were evaluated.Cell viability assay, microscopic analysis and FACS analysis were performed for the in vitro studies and HB–P-NPs showed enhanced phototoxicity compared with HB-NPs. In the animal study, the tumor volume change and the histological analysis was studied and the anticancer efficacy improved in the order of free HB < HB-NPs < HB–P-NPs.In conclusion, the combination therapy of PDT and chemotherapy, and hyaluronic acid–ceramide nanoparticle-based targeted delivery improved the effects of PDT in lung cancer in mice.