Synergistic photothermal ablative effects of functionalizing carbon nanotubes with a POSS-PCU nanocomposite polymer.

Aaron Tan,Alexander M Seifalian,Giorgia Pastorin,Seyed Yazdan Madani,Jayakumar Rajadas

doi:10.1186/1477-3155-10-34

Abstract

BackgroundThe application of nanotechnology in biology and medicine represents a significant paradigm shift in the approach to the treatment of cancer. Evidence suggests that when exposed to near-infrared radiation (NIR), carbon nanotubes (CNTs) dissipate a substantial amount of heat energy. We have developed a novel nanocomposite polymer, polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane poly (carbonate-urea) urethane (POSS-PCU). POSS-PCU displays excellent biocompatibility and has been used in making artificial organs as well as protective coatings for medical devices.ResultsFunctionalizing (or “coating”) CNTs with POSS-PCU confers biocompatibility and increase the amount of heat energy generated, by enhancing dispersion. Here we demonstrate that POSS-PCU-functionalized multi-walled CNTs (MWNTs) act synergistically together when exposed to NIR to thermally ablate cancer cells.ConclusionGiven that POSS-PCU has already been used in human in first-in-man studies as trachea, lacrimal duct, bypass graft and other organs, our long-term goal is to take POSS-PCU coated CNTs to clinical studies to address the treatment of cancer by optimizing its therapeutic index and increasing its specificity via antibody conjugation.

Highlights

The application of nanotechnology in biology and medicine represents a significant paradigm shift in the approach to the treatment of cancer
Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) can be classified into two broad categories: multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWNTs) and single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs)
Conferring solubility and biocompatibility via POSS-PCU functionalization Raw CNTs appear as a black powder-like substance, which is insoluble in water

Summary

Introduction

The application of nanotechnology in biology and medicine represents a significant paradigm shift in the approach to the treatment of cancer. CNTs have a high optical absorbance in the near infrared (NIR) region [5] (700 nm to 1100 nm) and subsequently dissipate a high amount of heat energy This phenomenon can be exploited in a biomedical setting to destroy cancer cells via photothermal ablation [6,7] (Figure 1). Due to the lack of endogenous chromophores that absorb within the NIR spectrum, biological membranes are highly transparent to NIR within wavelengths of 700 nm to 1100 nm [12] Alluding to their electronic band structures, CNTs can attain a very high temperature (of up to 70°C) within minutes of exposure to NIR lasers [13]. Exposure of CNTs to NIR laser would release a significant amount of vibrational energy, which causes cell death via coagulative necrosis This event is known as photothermal cancer ablation, with rupturing cell membranes and denaturation of cellular proteins

Methods

Results

Conclusion