Theranostic Nanoparticles Research Articles

Applications of Gold and Silver Nanoparticles in Theranostics.

Nanotechnology sculptures the current scenario of science and technology. The word nano refers ‘small’ which ranges from 10 to 100 nm in size. Silver and gold nanoparticles can be synthesized at nanoscale and have unique biological properties like antibacterial, antifungal, antiviral, antiparasitic, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, and anti-tumor activity. In this mini review, we shall discuss the various applications of silver and gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) in the field of therapy, imaging, biomedical devices and in cancer diagnosis. The usage of silver nanoparticles(AgNPs) in dentistry and dental implants, therapeutic abilities like wound dressings, silver impregnated catheters, ventricular drainage catheters, combating orthopedic infections, and osteointegration will be elaborated. Gold nanoparticles in recent years have garnered large importance in bio medical applications. They are being used in diagnosis and have recently seen a surge in therapeutics. In this mini review, we shall see about the various applications of AuNP and AgNP, and highlight their evolution in theranostics.

Ultrasound responsive Gd-DOTA/doxorubicin-loaded nanodroplet as a theranostic agent for magnetic resonance image-guided controlled release drug delivery of melanoma cancer

Theranostic agents use simultaneous for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures. In the present study, the effect of Gd-DOTA/doxorubicin-loaded perfluorohexane nanodroplets as a theranostic nanoparticle for control released drug delivery and ultrasound/MR imaging was investigated on B16F10 melanoma cancer cells. The intracellular uptake was performed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) that indicated sonicated Gd-DOTA/DOX@PFH NDs uptake by cancer cells was approximately 1.5 times more than the non-sonicated nanodroplets after 12 h. In vitro and in vivo toxicity assays revealed that synthesized NDs are biocompatible and do not have organ toxicity. Ultrasound exposure significantly enhanced the release of doxorubicin from NDs (P-value< 0.05). Ultrasound echogenicity and T1-MRI relaxometry indicated that synthesized NDs have strong ultrasound signal intensity and high r1 relaxivity (6.34 mM−1 S−1). The concentration of DOX in mice vital organs for Gd-DOTA/DOX NDs was significantly lower than that of free DOX. Doxorubicin concentration after 150 min in the tumor region for the DOX-loaded Gd-NDs+US group reached 14.8 μg/g followed by sonication, which was 2.3 fold higher than that of the non-sonicated group. According to the obtained results, the synthesized nanodroplets, with excellent diagnostic (ultrasound/MRI) and therapeutic properties, could be promising theranostic agents in cancer imaging and drug delivery for chemotherapeutic application.

Emerging Roles of Green-Synthesized Chalcogen and Chalcogenide Nanoparticles in Cancer Theranostics

The last few decades have seen an overwhelming increase in the amount of research carried out on the use of inorganic nanoparticles. More fascinating is the tremendous progress made in the use of chalcogen and chalcogenide nanoparticles in cancer theranostics. These nanomaterials, which were initially synthesized through chemical methods, have now been efficiently produced using different plant materials. The paradigm shift towards the biogenic route of nanoparticle synthesis stems from its superior advantages of biosafety, eco-friendliness, and simplicity, among others. Despite a large number of reviews available on inorganic nanoparticle synthesis through green chemistry, there is currently a dearth of information on the green synthesis of chalcogens and chalcogenides for cancer research. Nanoformulations involving chalcogens such as sulfur, selenium, and tellurium and their respective chalcogenides have recently emerged as promising tools in cancer therapeutics and diagnosis. Similar to other inorganic nanoparticles, chalcogens and chalcogenides have been synthesized using plant extracts and their purified biomolecules. In this review, we provide an up-to-date discussion of the recent progress that has been made in the plant-mediated synthesis of chalcogens and chalcogenides with a special focus on their application in cancer theranostics.

Magnetic Relaxation and Modification of Thiol Groups on Co‐Mg Ferrite Nanoparticles for Theranostics

AbstractCo1‐xMgxFe2O4(x=0.0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.6, 0.8, 1.0) nanoparticles embedded in amorphous SiO2with particle sizes of approximately 4.5 nm were prepared using an original wet chemical method. We performed spin‐echo magnetic resonance imaging measurements for Co1‐xMgxFe2O4nanoparticles using a 0.3‐T MRI system. The particles exhibited a significantT2shortening effect compared with that of agarose, depending on the composition. All particles exhibited effective relaxivity,R2, and a significant contrast was observed in the phantom image. Furthermore, thiol group was modified to enable particles to bind specifically to maleimide proteins. These particles are expected to be potential theranostic agents.

Folate Decorated Multifunctional Biodegradable Nanoparticles for Gastric Carcinoma Active Targeting Theranostics.

IntroductionGastric cancer remains a major clinical issue and little progress has been made in the treatment of gastric cancer patients during recent decades. Nanoparticles provide a versatile platform for the diagnosis and treatment of gastric cancer.MethodsWe prepared 7-ethyl-10-hydroxycamptothecin (SN-38) 125I-radiolabelled biodegradable nanoparticles with folate surface modification (125I-SN-38-FA-NPs) as a novel nanoplatform for targeted gastric carcinoma theranostics. We characterized this system in terms of particle size, morphology, radiostability, and release properties and examined the in vitro cytotoxicity and cellular uptake properties of 125I-SN-38-FA-NPs in MNK 7 and NCI-N7 cells. The pharmacokinetics and biodistribution of 125I-SN-38-FA-NPs were imaged by single photon emission computer tomography (SPECT). An MNK7 tumor-bearing model were established and the in vivo antitumor activity of 125I-SN-38-FA-NPs was evaluated.ResultsSN-38 was readily radiolabeled with 125I and exhibited high radiostability. Poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) nanoparticles (NPs) were formed by solvent exchange, and displayed spherical morphology of 100 nm in diameter as characterized by dynamic light scattering (DLS) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). A 2.5-fold greater uptake of 125I-radiolabelled SN-38-loaded folate-decorated PLGA nanoparticles (125I-SN-38-FA-NPs) than 125I-radiolabelled SN-38-loaded PLGA nanoparticles (125I-SN-38-NPs) were record in MKN7 tumor cells. NPs and folate-decorated PLGA nanoparticles (FA-NPs) also had good biocompatibility in methyl thiazolyl tetrazolium (MTT) assays. Pharmacokinetic, biodistribution and SPECT imaging studies showed that 125I-SN-38-FA-NPs had prolonged circulation, were distributed in the reticuloendothelial system, and had high uptake in tumors with a higher tumor accumulation of 125I-SN-38-FA-NPs than 125I-SN-38-NPs recorded at 24 h postinjection. In vivo SN-38-FA-NPs significantly inhibited tumor growth without causing obvious side effects.ConclusionFolate receptor alpha (FOLR1) targeted drug-loaded nanoparticles enable SPECT imaging and chemotherapy, and provide a novel nanoplatform for gastric carcinoma active targeting theranostics.

Multifunctional Theranostic Nanoparticles for Enhanced Tumor Targeted Imaging and Synergistic FUS/Chemotherapy on Murine 4T1 Breast Cancer Cell.

PurposeTriple negative breast cancer (TNBC) is challenging for effective remission due to its very aggressive, extremely metastatic and resistant to conventional chemotherapy. Herein, a multifunctional theranostic nanoparticle was fabricated to enhance tumor targeted imaging and promote focused ultrasound (FUS) ablation and chemotherapy and sonodynamic therapy (SDT). A multi-modal synergistic therapy can improve the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of TNBC.MethodsAS1411 aptamer modified PEG@PLGA nanoparticles encapsulated with perfluorohexane (PFH) and anti-cancer drug doxorubicin (DOX) were constructed (AS1411-DOX/PFH-PEG@PLGA) to enhance tumor targeted imaging to guide ablation and synergistic effect of FUS/chemotherapy. FUS was utilized to trigger the co-release of doxorubicin and simultaneously PFH phase transition and activate DOX for SDT effect. The physicochemical, phase-changeable imaging capability, biosafety of nanoparticles and multi-mode synergistic effects on growth of TNBC were thoroughly evaluated in vivo and in vitro.ResultsThe synthesized AS1411-DOX/PFH-PEG@PLGA (A-DPPs) nanoparticles are uniformly round with an average diameter of 306.03 ± 5.35 nm and the zeta potential of −4.05 ± 0.13 mV, displaying high biosafety and FUS-responsive drug release in vitro and in vivo. AS1411 modified NPs specifically bind to 4T1 cells and elevate the ultrasound contrast agent (UCA) image contrast intensity via PFH phase-transition after FUS exposure. Moreover, the combined treatment of A-DPPs nanoparticles with FUS exhibited significantly higher apoptosis rate, stronger inhibitory effect on 4T1 cell invasion in vitro, induced more reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enhanced anti-tumor effect compared to a single therapy (p < 0.05). Additionally, the joint strategy resulted in more intense cavitation effect and larger ablated areas and reduced energy efficiency factor (EEF) both in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionThe multifunctional AS1411-DOX/PFH-PEG@PLGA nanoparticles can perform as a marvelous synergistic agent for enhanced FUS/chemotherapy, promote real-time contrast enhanced US imaging and improve the therapeutic efficacy and prognosis of TNBC.

Magnetic nanoparticles in theranostic applications

Nanomedicine research recently started exploring the combination of therapy and diagnostics, so-called theranostics, as an approach to offer a more flexible, personal, and precise care with improved patient outcomes. As magnetic nanoparticles show great potential in a variety of diagnostic and therapeutic applications, they are prime candidates to be used in a theranostic platform to realize this vision. This Perspective gives an overview of state-of-the-art magnetic imaging techniques and theranostic applications based on magnetic nanoparticles and discusses their opportunities and associated challenges. In order to address these challenges and to exploit these opportunities to the fullest, we discuss three promising research directions. The first considers the use of novel magnetic field sequences to utilize the rich magnetic dynamics of the particles, allowing a more accurate diagnosis and boosting the performance of many nanoparticle-based applications. Second, we introduce the innovative concept of smart theranostics based on feedback mechanisms between the particle applications and their supporting imaging procedure to enhance the performance of both and to allow real-time monitoring of treatment efficiency. Finally, we show the twofold advantage of applying data-driven models to enhance therapy and diagnostics on the one hand and for handling the platform’s large amount of data and associated decision support algorithms on the other. The latter research track is extended to include hybrid models in which physics-based and data-driven models are combined to overcome challenges of applications with limited data, making the data-driven part understandable, as well as in uncovering unknown nanoparticle dynamics. Contrasting other literature works, which mainly focus on developing magnetic nanoparticles with the right characteristics, we put forward advances in magnetic nanoparticle imaging techniques and applications to enable the use of a broader range of magnetic nanoparticles in theranostics. We seek to emphasize the importance of these building blocks as many research opportunities with a very high potential are still left open. Therefore, we encourage researchers to also take these aspects into account to advance theranostic applications of magnetic nanoparticles to real clinical environments.

Advanced iron oxide nanotheranostics for multimodal and precision treatment of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma.

Despite current advances in new approaches for cancer detection and treatment, pancreatic cancer remains one of the most lethal cancer types. Difficult to detect early, aggressive tumor biology, and resistance to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy result in a poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients with a 5-year survival of 10%. With advances in cancer nanotechnology, new imaging and drug delivery approaches that allow the development of multifunctional nanotheranostic agents offer opportunities for improving pancreatic cancer treatment using precision oncology. In this review, we will introduce potential applications of innovative theranostic strategies to address major challenges in the treatment of pancreatic cancer at different disease stages. Several important issues concerning targeted delivery of theranostic nanoparticles and tumor stromal barriers are discussed. We then focus on the development of a magnetic iron oxide nanoparticle platform for multimodal therapy of pancreatic cancer, including MRI monitoring targeted nanoparticle/drug delivery, therapeutic response, and tumor re-staging, activation of tumor immune response by immunoactivating nanoparticle and magnetic hyperthermia therapy, and intraoperative interventions for improving the outcome of targeted therapy. This article is categorized under: Nanotechnology Approaches to Biology > Nanoscale Systems in Biology Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Oncologic Disease Diagnostic Tools > In Vivo Nanodiagnostics and Imaging.

Radioactive organic semiconducting polymer nanoparticles for multimodal cancer theranostics

Theranostics with integrations of both imaging and therapeutic elements can enable early diagnosis and effective treatment of cancer. Herein, we report the development of radioactive semiconducting polymer nanoparticles (rSPNs) for multimodal cancer theranostics. Such rSPNs constructed through labeling poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) grafted SPNs with iodine-131 (131I) exhibit ideal photothermal property, excellent singlet oxygen (1O2) generating ability and good radiolabeling stability. Owing to their small particle dimension and PEG surface corona, rSPNs show an effective accumulation into subcutaneous tumors of living mice after systemic administration. The good fluorescence property and stable radiolabeling of rSPNs enable contrast signals for near-infrared (NIR) fluorescence and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT) dual-model imaging of tumors. Moreover, rSPNs provide combinational action of photothermal therapy (PTT), photodynamic therapy (PDT) and radiotherapy under NIR laser irradiation, resulting in much higher therapeutic efficacy in inhibiting tumor growth and metastasis relative to SPNs-mediated treatment. This study thus offers a multifunctional organic nanosystem for multimodal cancer theranostics.

Surfactant‐Inspired Coassembly Strategy to Integrate Aggregation‐Induced Emission Photosensitizer with Organosilica Nanoparticles for Efficient Theranostics

AbstractConstruction of versatile nanotemplate bearing inherent distinctive functions and prominent drug‐carrying capability is an appealing yet significantly challenging task. Here, inspired by the guiding role of surfactant in preparing nanoparticles, an amphiphilic aggregation‐induced emission (AIE) photosensitizer, namely MeOTTVP, is synthesized with attractive near‐infrared (NIR) emission and high‐performance reactive oxygen species production, and followed by dual‐templating‐assisted one‐pot method involving MeOTTVP as the skeleton to fabricate organosilica nanoparticles (AIE‐ONs). The presented AIE‐ONs perfectly inherit the functions of MeOTTVP, and are also capable of loading antibiotics and anticancer drugs. Doxorubicin can be assembled on AIE‐ONs and then capped with hyaluronic acid, endowing the resulting hybrid with NIR fluorescence imaging‐guided synergetic photodynamic/chemotherapy performance, thereby offering boosted anticancer efficacy and reduced side effects. Furthermore, by loading antibiotic rifampicin, the newly obtained AIE‐ONs integrating chemo‐photodynamic antibacterial functions provide broad‐spectrum antibacterial activity and fluorescence monitoring behavior. This study thus not only offers a promising strategy to fabricate NIR nanoparticles on a large scale, but also provides useful insights into designing an advanced theranostic protocol for treating both cancer and bacterial infections.

Plant-Based Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles and Theranostic Applications: A Review.

Bionanotechnology is a branch of science that has revolutionized modern science and technology. Nanomaterials, especially noble metals, have attracted researchers due to their size and application in different branches of sciences that benefit humanity. Metal nanoparticles can be synthesized using green methods, which are good for the environment, economically viable, and facilitate synthesis. Due to their size and form, gold nanoparticles have become significant. Plant materials are of particular interest in the synthesis and manufacture of theranostic gold nanoparticles (NPs), which have been generated using various materials. On the other hand, chemically produced nanoparticles have several drawbacks in terms of cost, toxicity, and effectiveness. A plant-mediated integration of metallic nanoparticles has been developed in the field of nanotechnology to overcome the drawbacks of traditional synthesis, such as physical and synthetic strategies. Nanomaterials′ tunable features make them sophisticated tools in the biomedical platform, especially for developing new diagnostics and therapeutics for malignancy, neurodegenerative, and other chronic disorders. Therefore, this review outlines the theranostic approach, the different plant materials utilized in theranostic applications, and future directions based on current breakthroughs in these fields.

Mixed Solvent-Based Low Temperature Synthesis of Functionalized Cubic FeCo Theranostic Nanoparticles

FeCo alloy nanoparticles were rapidly synthesized by a salt-mediated mixed-polyol process without surfactants at a low reaction temperature (50 °C–100 °C) and its influence on particle size, shape, and composition were investigated. The presence of mixed polyols increase the viscosity of the solution, reducing the migration rate of cations, alter the diameter of FeCo nanoparticles and nucleation rate, and control particle morphology without the use of surfactants. Cubic FeCo nanoparticles were synthesized without surfactants even at a reaction temperature as low as 50 °C. X-ray diffractometry, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy showed that as-synthesized FeCo nanoparticles had a body-centered cubic (BCC) crystal structure with a particle size ranging from 25 to 75 nm in effective diameter, respectively. The maximum saturation magnetization of about 207 emu/g and a coercivity of ~100 Oe were achieved at room temperature for samples synthesized at 90 °C. These soft magnetic FeCo nanoparticles can be applied in preparing conjugated nanoparticles for both diagnostic and therapeutic biomedical applications.

Self-Assembled Nanoparticles for Tumor-Triggered Targeting Dual-Mode NIRF/MR Imaging and Photodynamic Therapy Applications.

In this study, the self-assembling strategy was used to synthesize a therapeutic and diagnostic nanosystem for tumor-triggered targeting dual-mode near-infrared fluorescence (NIRF)/magnetic resonance (MR) imaging and photodynamic therapy applications. This theranostic nanosystem was synthesized based on the self-assembling of the short peptide (PLGVRGRGDC) and the gadolinium chelator (diethylenetriamine pentaacetic acid) functionalized amphiphilic DSPE-PEG2000, followed by loading with the insoluble photosensitizer therapeutic agent chlorin e6 (Ce6). The formed theranostic nanosystem can accumulate in the matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) rich tumor sites guided by the enhanced permeability and retention effect and MMP2-substrate peptide (PLGVR) targeting. After PLGVR was hydrolyzed in the tumor microenvironment by MMP2, the nanosystem was actively taken up by tumor cells via Arg-Gly-Asp (RGD) peptide-mediated internalization. With the coexistence of gadolinium and Ce6, the formed nanosystem can be used for both NIRF/MR dual-mode imaging and photodynamic therapy. These tumor-triggered targeting self-assembled nanoparticles with low cytotoxicity and high endocytosis efficiency can efficiently induce A549 cancer cell apoptosis under laser irradiation. Meanwhile, they possessed enhanced tumor-targeted NIRF/MR imaging ability and efficiently inhibited tumor growth with minimal side effects in mice bearing A549 lung cancer. Therefore, these self-assembled theranostic nanoparticles may have great potential for cancer clinical diagnosis and therapy.

Recent advancements of biogenic iron nanoparticles in cancer theranostics

Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, which generates an immediate requirement for developing therapeutic and diagnostic tools to treat different kinds of cancer. Further, the onset of nanobiotechnology has opened the gateways for the development and research at the nanoscale levels. The unique size of nanoparticles helps them create distinguished properties that differentiate them from the bulk matter and hence awakens their more potentialities and utilities in multiple domains. However, one of the highly studied nanoparticles for the treatment of cancer is the iron nanoparticle because it shows high magnetism, as well as their unique structure, which helps them act as an efficient anticancer agent. Further, the biogenic iron nanoparticles are biocompatible and less toxic due to their bio-based synthesis routes, which use microorganisms, plants, biomolecules, etc. Hence, this featured article is dedicated to enhancing the knowledge on the potentialities of biologically synthesized iron nanoparticles in cancer therapy and diagnostics.

Facile synthesis and in vivo bioimaging applications of porphyrin derivative-encapsulated polymer nanoparticles

Fluorescence (FL) imaging guided photodynamic therapy (PDT) is becoming highly desirable for personalized therapy and precision medicine. In this study, fluorescent polymer nanoparticles TCPP@PEI/PGA were facilely synthesized through electrostatic interaction-mediated self-assembly of porphyrins tetra(4-carboxyphenyl)porphine (TCPP) and polyethylenimine (PEI), and subsequent surface modification with γ-poly(glutamic acid) (γ-PGA). TCPP served a dual function as the FL imaging probe and the photosensitizer. The as-prepared TCPP@PEI/PGA nanoparticles showed excellent water-solubility and biocompatibility, while having outstanding capabilities of in vivo bioimaging and 1O2 generation. FL bioimaging of mice and effective killing of CT 26 cells as well as CT 26 tumor-bearing mice upon laser irradiation were successfully demonstrated when using TCPP@PEI/PGA as theranostic nanoprobes. This study provides a simple but robust method to design and synthesize porphyrin-based polymer nanoparticles for theranostics.

Use of Nanoparticles in Theranostics and Breath Analysis of Patients with Cancer

The review reports on advances in nanotheranostics and breath analysis of patients with cancer over the past few years. It has been shown that carbon nanotube nanoparticles and other therapeutic agents made from new semiconductor materials are very promising for their use in such non-invasive and effective therapeutic technologies as photothermal and photodynamic therapy. Some semiconductor nanoparticles can also be used as biomarkers for certain types of cancer. Results of the breath analysis in oncology were reported.

Theranostic nanoparticles for the management of thrombosis.

Acute thrombosis and thromboembolisms are one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity in both developed and developing countries, placing a huge burden on health and economic systems. Early diagnosis is critical but currently limited in accuracy and hampered by a narrow time frame, where the short therapeutic window also severely restricts treatment options. Additionally, clinically used antithrombotics and thrombolytics suffer from severe side effects and are limited in efficacy by a short half-life and susceptibility to degradation. The use of systems containing both diagnostic and therapeutic moieties, known as theranostics, can potentially improve patient outcomes by increasing the precision and efficacy of diagnosis and treatment, enabling personalised and precision medicine. Leveraging nanomedicine may further improve treatment by improving the system's pharmacokinetic properties including controlled drug delivery. This review provides an overview of the development of such theranostic nanoparticle systems, with a focus on approaches that may be utilised to usher this field towards clinical use.

PH-responsive hybrid platelet membrane-coated nanobomb with deep tumor penetration ability and enhanced cancer thermal/chemodynamic therapy.

Background: Despite their outstanding properties in high surface-to-volume ratio and deep penetration, the application of ultrasmall nanoparticles for tumor theranostics remains limited because of their dissatisfied targeting performance and short blood circulation lifetime. Various synthetic materials with complex structures have been prepared as a multifunctional platform for loading ultrasmall nanoparticles. However, their use in nanomedicine is restricted because of unknown metabolic processes and potential physiological toxicity. Therefore, versatile and biocompatible nanoplatforms need to be designed through a simple yet effective method for realizing specific delivery and responsible release of ultrasmall nanoparticles.Methods: Iron-gallic acid coordination polymer nanodots (FeCNDs) exhibits outstanding photothermal ability and Fenton catalytic performance, which can be applied for tumor inhibition via hyperthermia and reactive oxygen species. A pH-responsive platelet-based hybrid membrane (pH-HCM) was prepared via co-extrusion and acted as a safe nanoplatform to load FeCNDs (pH-HCM@FeCNDs). Subsequently, their responsive performance and penetration ability were valued considering the multicellular sphere (MCS) model in an acidic or neutral environment. Thereafter, in vivo fluorescence image was performed to assess targeting capability of pH-HCM@FeCNDs. Finally, the corresponding antitumor and antimetastatic effects on orthotropic breast cancer were investigated.Results: In 4T1 MCS model, pH-HCM@FeCNDs group exhibited higher penetration efficiency (72.84%) than its non-responsive counterparts (17.77%) under an acidic environment. Moreover, the fluorescence intensity in pH-HCM@FeCNDs group was 3.18 times higher than that in group without targeting performance in the in vivo fluorescence image experiment. Finally, through in vivo experiments, pH-HCM@FeCNDs was confirmed to exhibit the best antitumor effect (90.33% tumor reduction) and antimetastatic effects (only 0.29% tumor coverage) on orthotropic breast cancer.Conclusions: Hybrid cell membrane was an ideal nanoplatform to deliver nanodots because of its good responsibility, satisfactory targeting ability, and excellent biocompatibility. Consequently, this study provides novel insights into the delivery and release of nanodots in a simple but effect method.

Hypoxia targeting lutetium-177-labeled nitroimidazole-decorated gold particles as cancer theranostic nanoplatforms

Theranostic 177Lu-labeled nitroimidazole-decorated gold nanoparticles showed ∼9-fold uptake in CHO cells under hypoxic conditions compared to normoxic conditions.

Theranostic mesoporous silica nanoparticles made of multi-nuclear gold or carbon quantum dots particles serving as pH responsive drug delivery system

Mesoporous silica nanoparticles are promising candidates to deliver proteins, antibodies, and anticancer drugs and to be served as an adsorbent of various types of substrate. Herein, a theranostic approach, in the preparation of fluorescence-type mesoporous silica for pH-responsive delivery of anticancer drug, doxorubicin, is introduced. By this mean, three types of mesoporous silica were synthesized. The ordinary type of mesoporous silica nanoparticles containing propylamine functional groups was synthesized by a controlled-size technique. Two types of fluorescence mesoporous silica were prepared, doped with gold or quantum dots nanoparticles. The fluorescence imaging has shown that the optical properties of the gold or carbon quantum dots have been transferred to the mesoporous matrix in doping processes. The as-prepared mesoporous materials were conjugated to doxorubicin via Schiff-base linkage. Several characterization techniques were utilized to detect the structure of the particles including FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD, N 2 adsorption/desorption, transition, and scanning electron microscopy. The amount of conjugated doxorubicin was analyzed by UV–Vis spectroscopy. The pH-responsive character was proved assessing the release profile in different pH ranges including physiological pH. The safety of the particles was evaluated by cell cytotoxicity assay on breast cancer cell line, MCF-7. As-prepared particles showed no cytotoxic behavior, but when they were loaded by doxorubicin, the appreciable release of the drug and subsequent cytotoxicity resulted against MCF-7 cells. The hemolytic study was conducted to prove the biocompatibility of these particles in the blood. Altogether, the proposed materials are suitable to be considered as safe and to be used as a theranostic platform for therapeutic and imaging purposes. • Three types of MSN were prepared and applied for drug delivery. • The fluorophore MSNs of GNP@MSN and QCD@MSN were organized for theranostic purpose. • DOX was conjugated to MSNs, and released through pH responsive profile. • The fluorophore MSNs showed biocompatibility and fluorescent contrast in MCF-7 cells. • MSNs@DOX showed toxicity in parallel and even higher than of free DOX in MCF-7 cell.