A collaborative research team led by Professor Park In-kyu at CNU has developed a novel photodynamic immunotherapy using nanoparticles to eradicate cancer cells.

Professor Park (Department of Biomedical Sciences) and his research team, along with Professor Lee Jae-young from Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (Department of Materials Science and Engineering), developed a photodynamic immunotherapy using nanoparticles composed of electrically conductive polymers and hyaluronic acid containing the immune checkpoint inhibitor JQ-1 and have filed for a domestic patent.

According to the research team, the novel photodynamic immunotherapy using nanoparticles sends therapeutic agents to tumor sites through the bloodstream, and upon exposure to near-infrared light from outside the body, the administered therapy generates heat, leading to the destruction of tumor cells.

Furthermore, the research team has identified the most efficient model of nanoparticles through tests on tumor targeting, nanoparticle size, hydrophilicity of hyaluronic acid surface distribution, and particle stability, suggesting its potential utilization in various disease treatments.

The immune checkpoint inhibitor JQ-1 functions to block the attempts of cancer cells to undermine the immune system in the body while proliferating.

This research was recently published in the online edition of Advanced Healthcare Materials (citation index: 10.0).