Abstract
The development of nanoplatforms prepared to perform both multimodal imaging and combined therapies in a single entity is a fast-growing field. These systems are able to improve diagnostic accuracy and therapy success. Multicomponent Nanoparticles (MCNPs), composed of iron oxide and gold, offer new opportunities for Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) diagnosis, as well as combined therapies based on Magnetic Hyperthermia (MH) and Photothermal Therapy (PT). In this work, we describe a new seed-assisted method for the synthesis of Au@Fe Nanoparticles (NPs) with a flower-like structure. For biomedical purposes, Au@Fe NPs were functionalized with a PEGylated ligand, leading to high colloidal stability. Moreover, the as-obtained Au@Fe-PEG NPs exhibited excellent features as both MRI and CT Contrast Agents (CAs), with high r2 relaxivity (60.5 mM−1⋅s−1) and X-ray attenuation properties (8.8 HU mM−1⋅HU). In addition, these nanoflowers presented considerable energy-to-heat conversion under both Alternating Magnetic Fields (AMFs) (∆T ≈ 2.5 °C) and Near-Infrared (NIR) light (∆T ≈ 17 °C). Finally, Au@Fe-PEG NPs exhibited very low cytotoxicity, confirming their potential for theranostics applications.
Highlights
Advances in the management of challenging diseases, such as cancer, require new approaches to improve the specificity and sensitivity of early diagnosis and provide more efficient therapies
Hyperthermia Treatment (HT), which consists of a local increase in tissue temperature up to 40–44 ◦ C, has been demonstrated to boost the effectiveness of systemic therapy with promising results [10,11]
Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy (STEM) analysis revealed that the sepal was composed of a chemical element with a higher Z number than that found in nanoflower petals (Figure 1a)
Summary
Advances in the management of challenging diseases, such as cancer, require new approaches to improve the specificity and sensitivity of early diagnosis and provide more efficient therapies. Imaging (MRI) and Computed Tomography (CT) are extensively used because of their excellent anatomical resolution [1,2]. Both techniques often require the administration of external Contrast Agents (CAs) for improved sensitivity and/or selectivity [3,4]. As for cancer treatment, systemic drug administration is a “gold standard” therapeutic approach [8], but its side effects, due to its lack of specificity, remain a major source of concern [9]. Hyperthermia Treatment (HT), which consists of a local increase in tissue temperature up to 40–44 ◦ C, has been demonstrated to boost the effectiveness of systemic therapy with promising results [10,11].
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