title: Multi-functionalized carbon dots as theranostic nanoagent for gene delivery in lung cancer therapy.
abstract: Theranostics, an integrated therapeutic and diagnostic system, can simultaneously monitor the real-time response of therapy. Different imaging modalities can combine with a variety of therapeutic moieties in theranostic nanoagents. In this study, a multi-functionalized, integrated theranostic nanoagent based on folate-conjugated reducible polyethylenimine passivated carbon dots (fc-rPEI-Cdots) is developed and characterized. These nanoagents emit visible blue photoluminescence under 360 nm excitation and can encapsulate multiple siRNAs (EGFR and cyclin B1) followed by releasing them in intracellular reductive environment. In vitro cell culture study demonstrates that fc-rPEI-Cdots is a highly biocompatible material and a good siRNA gene delivery carrier for targeted lung cancer treatment. Moreover, fc-rPEI-Cdots/pooled siRNAs can be selectively accumulated in lung cancer cells through receptor mediated endocytosis, resulting in better gene silencing and anti-cancer effect. Combining bioimaging of carbon dots, stimulus responsive property, gene silencing strategy, and active targeting motif, this multi-functionalized, integrated theranostic nanoagent may provide a useful tool and platform to benefit clinicians adjusting therapeutic strategy and administered drug dosage in real time response by monitoring the effect and tracking the development of carcinomatous tissues in diagnostic and therapeutic aspects.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Yu-Fen
authors.initials: YF
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: Department of Material Engineering, Tatung University, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Hsi-Chin
authors.initials: HC
authors.lastname: Wu
authors.affiliation: Department of Plastic Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chen-Hsiang
authors.initials: CH
authors.lastname: Kuan
authors.affiliation: Institute of Biomedical Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chun-Jui
authors.initials: CJ
authors.lastname: Lin
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Li-Wen
authors.initials: LW
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Department of Biomedical Engineering and Environmental Sciences, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Chien-Wen
authors.initials: CW
authors.lastname: Chang
authors.affiliation: Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan.
authors.forename: Tzu-Wei
authors.initials: TW
authors.lastname: Wang
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D002244:Carbon / Q000737:chemistry; D045744:Cell Line, Tumor; D004195:Disease Models, Animal; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000737:chemistry; D015870:Gene Expression; D020868:Gene Silencing; D018014:Gene Transfer Techniques; D017930:Genes, Reporter; D006801:Humans; D007097:Imines / Q000737:chemistry; D008175:Lung Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000235:genetics* / Q000628:therapy; D008297:Male; D008422:Materials Testing; D051379:Mice; D057054:Molecular Imaging; D053758:Nanoparticles / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D010084:Oxidation-Reduction; D010316:Particle Size; D011095:Polyethylenes / Q000737:chemistry; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000235:genetics; D000068936:Theranostic Nanomedicine; D019076:Transgenes
chemical_list: D001672:Biocompatible Materials; D007097:Imines; D011095:Polyethylenes; D034741:RNA, Small Interfering; C505405:poly(ethylene imine); D002244:Carbon; D005492:Folic Acid