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Updated: May 1, 2026

Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: December 1, 2016
Targeted sonocatalytic cancer cell injury using avidin-conjugated titanium dioxide nanoparticles
Kazuaki Ninomiya1, Aya Fukuda2, Chiaki Ogino3
1Institute of Nature and Environmental Technology, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa 920-1192, Japan.
Abstract:
In this study, we applied sonodynamic therapy to cancer cells based on the delivery of titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles (NPs) modified with avidin protein, which preferentially discriminated cancerous cells from healthy cells. Subsequently, hydroxyl radicals were generated from the TiO2 NPs after activation by external ultrasound irradiation (TiO2/US treatment). Although 30% of the normal breast cells (human mammary epithelial cells) exhibited the uptake of avidin-modified TiO2 NPs, over 80% of the breast cancer cells (MCF-7) exhibited the uptake of avidin-TiO2 NPs. Next the effect of the TiO2/US treatment on MCF-7 cell growth was examined for up to 96 h after 1-MHz ultrasound was applied (0.1 W/cm(2), 30 s) to cells that incorporated the TiO2 NPs. No apparent cell injury was observed until 24h after the treatment, but the viable cell concentration declined to 68% compared with the control at 96 h.
Insights
Avidin-modified titanium dioxide nanoparticles selectively target cancer cells. Ultrasound activation generates hydroxyl radicals, reducing cancer cell viability by 32% within 96 hours.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Sonodynamic therapy (SDT) offers a non-invasive approach for cancer treatment.
- Targeted drug delivery systems are crucial for enhancing therapeutic efficacy and minimizing side effects.
- Titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles have shown potential in SDT due to their ability to generate reactive oxygen species.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of avidin-modified TiO2 nanoparticles in targeted sonodynamic therapy for breast cancer cells.
- To investigate the selective uptake of these nanoparticles by cancer cells compared to normal cells.
- To assess the impact of TiO2/Ultrasound (US) treatment on cancer cell viability and proliferation.
Main Methods:
- Avidin protein was used to modify titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles for enhanced cellular targeting.
- The selective uptake of avidin-TiO2 nanoparticles by MCF-7 breast cancer cells and human mammary epithelial cells was quantified.
- Cells incorporating TiO2 nanoparticles were exposed to 1-MHz ultrasound (0.1 W/cm(2), 30 s).
- Cell viability was monitored for up to 96 hours post-treatment.
Main Results:
- Avidin-modified TiO2 nanoparticles demonstrated preferential uptake by MCF-7 cancer cells (over 80%) compared to normal breast cells (30%).
- TiO2/US treatment led to a significant decline in viable cancer cell concentration.
- Viable cell concentration decreased to 68% of the control group at 96 hours post-treatment, with no apparent cell injury observed within the first 24 hours.
Conclusions:
- Avidin-modified TiO2 nanoparticles serve as an effective targeted delivery system for sonodynamic therapy.
- The TiO2/US treatment exhibits significant cancer cell growth inhibition.
- This targeted nanomedicine approach holds promise for future breast cancer treatment strategies.

