Nanoplexes for cell imaging and hyperthermia: in vitro studies

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Cancer theranostics require multifunctional agents for simultaneous diagnosis and therapy.
• Developing novel nanocarriers for targeted drug delivery and therapeutic applications is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

• To formulate and characterize novel IR820-polyethylene glycol-diamine nanoplexes (IR820-PDNCs).
• To evaluate the in vitro imaging and hyperthermia capabilities of IR820-PDNCs for cancer treatment.
• To assess the cytotoxicity and cellular uptake of IR820-PDNCs in various cancer cell lines.

Main Methods:

• Ionic interaction was used to formulate nanoplexes.
• In vitro characterization included size, zeta potential, and heat generation under laser irradiation.
• Cytotoxicity and cellular uptake were evaluated in SKOV-3, MES-SA, and Dx5 cancer cell lines using laser-induced hyperthermia.

Main Results:

• IR820-PDNCs were approximately 50 nm in diameter with a zeta potential of 2.0 ± 0.9 mV.
• Nanoplexes generated heat upon exposure to an 808 nm laser, inducing hyperthermic cell growth inhibition.
• IR820-PDNCs demonstrated comparable cytotoxicity to free IR820 but showed significantly higher hyperthermic cell growth inhibition in MES-SA and Dx5 cells.
• Enhanced cellular uptake of IR820-PDNCs was observed compared to free IR820, particularly in SKOV-3 and Dx5 cells.

Conclusions:

• IR820-PDNCs are a promising multifunctional formulation for cancer theranostics.
• The nanoplexes exhibit effective imaging and laser-induced hyperthermia capabilities.
• IR820-PDNCs offer potential for enhanced cancer treatment through targeted delivery and hyperthermia.