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Synthesis of Immunotargeted Magneto-plasmonic Nanoclusters
Published on: August 22, 2014
One-pot synthesis of aptamer-functionalized silver nanoclusters for cell-type-specific imaging
Jingjing Li1, Xiaoqin Zhong, Fangfang Cheng
1State Lab of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science (MOE), School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, People's Republic of China.
Analytical Chemistry
|April 10, 2012
Summary
Researchers developed novel AS1411-functionalized silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs) for enhanced cancer cell imaging and therapy. These fluorescent Ag NCs show improved cellular uptake, specific nuclear staining, and superior anticancer effects compared to AS1411 alone.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oligonucleotide Chemistry
Background:
- Oligonucleotide-templated silver nanoclusters (Ag NCs) are promising fluorescent probes but suffer from weak emission and poor cell membrane permeability.
- AS1411, an antiproliferative G-rich oligonucleotide, is under clinical investigation for cancer treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To synthesize AS1411-functionalized Ag NCs with enhanced fluorescence and cellular internalization for cancer research.
- To evaluate the anticancer efficacy and cellular localization of the novel Ag NCs.
Main Methods:
- A facile one-pot synthesis was employed to create AS1411-functionalized Ag NCs.
- Confocal laser scanning microscopy and Z-axis scanning were used to track cellular uptake and localization.
- Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using the MTT assay.
Main Results:
- The synthesized Ag NCs exhibited excellent fluorescence and were successfully internalized into MCF-7 human breast cancer cells.
- The AS1411-functionalized Ag NCs specifically stained cell nuclei red.
- The Ag NCs demonstrated cytocompatibility and superior inhibition of MCF-7 cell proliferation compared to pure AS1411.
Conclusions:
- AS1411-functionalized Ag NCs offer a promising platform for targeted cancer therapy and bioimaging due to their enhanced properties.
- The oligonucleotide scaffold design is versatile and can be extended to other aptamers for broader applications in biosensing.
