NIR-to-visible upconversion nanoparticles for fluorescent labeling and targeted delivery of siRNA.
Near-infrared (NIR)-to-visible upconversion fluorescent nanoparticles were synthesized and used for imaging and targeted delivery of small interfering RNA (siRNA) to cancer cells. Silica-coated NaYF(4) upconversion nanoparticles (UCNs) co-doped with lanthanide ions (Yb/Er) were synthesized. Folic acid and anti-Her2 antibody conjugated UCNs were used to fluorescently label the folate receptors of HT-29 cells and Her2 receptors of SK-BR-3 cells, respectively. The intracellular uptake of the folic acid and antibody conjugated UCNs was visualized using a confocal fluorescence microscope equipped with an NIR laser. siRNA was attached to anti-Her2 antibody conjugated UCNs and the delivery of these nanoparticles to SK-BR-3 cells was studied. Meanwhile, a luciferase assay was established to confirm the gene silencing effect of siRNA. Upconversion nanoparticles can serve as a fluorescent probe and delivery system for simultaneous imaging and delivery of biological molecules.
Jiang
Shan
S
Division of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117576, Singapore.
Zhang
Yong
Y
Lim
Kian Meng
KM
Sim
Eugene K W
EK
Ye
Lei
L
D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D005453:Fluorescence; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D018613:Microscopy, Confocal; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry*; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000378:metabolism*; D013194:Staining and Labeling / Q000379:methods
D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; D005492:Folic Acid