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Biomolecular Imaging of Cellular Uptake of Nanoparticles using Multimodal Nonlinear Optical Microscopy
Published on: May 16, 2022
Multifunctional gold nanorod theragnostics probed by multi-photon imaging.
Brittany Book Newell1, Yuling Wang, Joseph Irudayaraj
1Bindley Bioscience and Birck Nanotechnology Center, Purdue University, 225 S. University Street, West Lafayette, IN 47907, USA.
European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry
|January 11, 2012
Summary
Researchers developed targeted gold nanorods (GNRs) carrying an anti-cancer drug to effectively deliver it to cancer cells. This theranostic approach allows for real-time tracking of drug delivery and cellular uptake using advanced imaging techniques.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Targeted drug delivery systems are crucial for improving cancer therapy efficacy and reducing side effects.
- Gold nanorods (GNRs) offer unique photoluminescent properties and biocompatibility for theranostic applications.
- Folate receptor expression is a common biomarker in various cancer types, making it a suitable target for drug delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To fabricate multifunctional gold nanorods (GNRs) for targeted delivery of Doxorubicin (DOX) to folate receptor-expressing cancer cells.
- To utilize the photoluminescence of GNRs and fluorescence of DOX for real-time monitoring of drug delivery and cellular localization.
- To evaluate the theranostic potential of GNRs for cancer treatment and assess their toxicity.
Main Methods:
- Conjugation of GNRs with folic acid as a targeting ligand and Doxorubicin (DOX) as an anti-cancer drug.
- Utilizing multi-photon fluorescence lifetime imaging to track GNR uptake, DOX release, and intracellular localization in living cells.
- Assessing the targeting specificity and cytotoxicity of the functionalized GNRs against folate receptor-positive cancer cells and control cell lines.
Main Results:
- Functionalized GNRs successfully targeted and were internalized by cancer cells overexpressing folate receptors.
- Doxorubicin release was observed in the cytoplasm, followed by nuclear redistribution within 16 hours, leading to cell death.
- The theranostic nano-vehicles demonstrated low toxicity to control cell lines, indicating good biocompatibility.
Conclusions:
- Multifunctional GNRs serve as effective theranostic agents for targeted cancer drug delivery and monitoring.
- The developed system enables precise tracking of drug release and localization, paving the way for personalized cancer therapies.
- This approach highlights the potential of combining imaging and therapeutic functionalities in nanomedicine for enhanced cancer treatment outcomes.
