Preparation of Novel Bi-Modal Nano Contrast Agent and Its Application in Diagnosis of Breast Cancer

Abstract

In the study, a new ultrasound contrast agent was used in the above diagnosis. Specifically, PLGA nanoparticles (PNA) loaded with Au nanorods and perfluorohexane (PFH) were prepared by the double emulsification method, and then the aptamer (APT) and PNA were connected by the carbodiimide method to obtain dualmodal ultrasound/photoacoustic targeting contrast agent (APT-PNA). Subsequently, physical characterization was performed on the prepared material, and then a fluorescence microscope was used to detect in vitro binding to breast cancer MCF-7 cells, with the normal nanoparticle group, HELA cell group, and APT interference group as controls. On this basis, it was used for the SLNB of breast cancer patients. The results showed that, the average particle size of APT-PNA was (468.5±23.6) nm, and the connection rate between the APT and the PNA reached 95.68%. After laser irradiation, the photo-induced phase changes of the APT-PNA were obvious. The APT-PNA aggregated around and bound firmly to breast cancer MCF-7 cells, while other control groups did not show obvious specific binding. After using APT-PNA, the ultrasound signal and photoacoustic signal were obviously enhanced than before irradiation. Of the 40 patients who participated in the trial, 37 developed lymphatic imaging, with an imaging rate of 92.5%, and 32 of the 37 patients with lymphatic imaging developed lymph node imaging, with a success rate of 86.5%.