Abstract

Thyroid cancer is a significant worldwide health challenge, requiring sophisticated treatment strategies to minimize off-target side effects. In this study, we developed biodegradable polyethylene glycol (PEG)-coated manganese dioxide (MD) nanomaterials, coupled with carminic acid (CA), for thyroid cancer chemo-photodynamic therapy (PDT). The pH-responsive PMD-CA NMs facilitates effective CA release at acidic pH. PMD-CA NMs enhances the efficiency of chemo-PDT through a synergistic reaction. PXRD examination of PMD-CA NMs confirmed a crystal structure. Surface morphology was validated by TEM and SEM analysis, which revealed a spherical shape. The anticancer efficacy of PMD-CA NMs was evaluated against the SW-1736 anaplastic thyroid cancer cells by an MTT assay. Furthermore, it can prevent the proliferation of SW-1736 cells, regardless of light exposure. The apoptosis induced by the PMD-CA NMs in SW-1736 cells was evidenced using calcein AM and PI staining, as well as Annexin V-FITC staining. Further, we demonstrated that PMD-CA NMs increased ROS levels and depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), thereby initiating programmed cell death. The results indicate that the responsive PMD-CA NMs system is a promising strategy for thyroid cancer therapy with less cytotoxicity.