Facilitated cell probing and hyperthermia treatment by fluorescent DNA engineered cobalt ferrite nanoparticles

Abstract

BackgroundProbing a cell by fluorescence imaging is very convenient. We have observed that tagging of DNA with some organic dye molecules enhances fluorescence properties. This property of DNA can be utilised to enhance cell imaging quality to track the cell in better way for diagnosis as well as therapy. ResultsWe have shown internalisation of DNA functionalized cobalt-ferrite nanoparticles (CF-DNA NPs) with cells is better compared to free cobalt-ferrite nanoparticles (CF NPs). Therefore, CF NPs were functionalized by DNA (CF-DNA) and tagged them with a fluorophore like RITC for improvement of cell tracking by fluorescence imaging. Cell imaging and cytotoxicity effects were compared by treating the human mammary carcinoma cells (MDA MB-231) with CF NPs and CF-DNA NPs. An investigation was made on applicability of hyperthermia therapy for these particles under AC magnetic field. SignificancesA significant enhancement in fluorescence contrast of cancer cells was observed in case of CF-DNA NPs compared to CF NPs and both the particles show less cytotoxic effect for normal cells. A significant cell death and change in cell morphology after hyperthermia treatment was observed by phase contrast microscope and scanning electron microscope (SEM). Monitoring the treatment in a selective region is helped by this technique with the use of a very small quantity of theranostic material. This new treatment protocol may open a new avenue in cancer therapy.