Folic Acid-Targeted and Cell Penetrating Peptide-Mediated Theranostic Nanoplatform for High-Efficiency Tri-Modal Imaging-Guided Synergistic Anticancer Phototherapy.
A novel nanomaterial with precisely-defined size and shape, biocompatible composition, and excellent stability, which can integrate multi modal targeted imaging and therapy into a single system for visualized therapeutics, has recently attracted significant research interest. Here, we developed a multifunctional nanoplatform based on silica-coated 4-mercaptobenzoic acid-modified gold nanorods (Au NRs) decorated with gold nanoclusters rich in the photosensitizer Ce6 (Au-Ce6 NCs). The nanoparticles also comprised folic acid and cell penetrating peptide molecules anchored on the surface, obtaining the Au@SiO2@Au-cell penetrating peptide nanocomposite. The Au-Ce6 NCs enhanced the photophysical stability, provided numerous bonding sites and offered a large surface-area and interior space to achieve a high drug loading efficiency (up to 55%). The anchored folic acid and cell penetrating peptide synergistically enhanced the efficiency of uptake of nanocomposites by HeLa cells (up to 70.7%) and improved therapeutic efficacy. The nanocomposite also has good water-solubility, excellent biocompatibility, and long-term stability against illumination and exposure to pH 3-12, thus facilitating their bioapplications in cancer theranostics. Here, the nanocomposite was established for high-resolution and noninvasive tri-modal surface-enhanced Raman spectrum/dark-field/fluorescence imaging-guided high-efficiency synergistic photodynamic/photothermal therapy of cancer. Our studies demonstrate that the multifunctional nanocomposite has the potential as a novel and sensitive contrast agent for complementary and synergistic theranostics in the clinic.
Na
N
Li
Tingting
T
Li
Chen
C
Liu
Shiyi
S
Ye
Jiangong
J
Liang
Heyou
H
Han
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D016923:Cell Death / Q000187:drug effects; D057846:Cell-Penetrating Peptides / Q000494:pharmacology*; D004357:Drug Synergism; D005492:Folic Acid / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006046:Gold / Q000737:chemistry; D006367:HeLa Cells; D006358:Hot Temperature; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D042541:Intracellular Space / Q000378:metabolism; D053761:Nanocomposites / Q000737:chemistry / Q000648:ultrastructure; D061848:Optical Imaging; D010316:Particle Size; D010789:Phototherapy; D012822:Silicon Dioxide / Q000737:chemistry; D013050:Spectrometry, Fluorescence; D013056:Spectrophotometry, Ultraviolet; D000068936:Theranostic Nanomedicine
D000970:Antineoplastic Agents; D057846:Cell-Penetrating Peptides; D006046:Gold; D012822:Silicon Dioxide; D005492:Folic Acid