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Surface-enhanced Resonance Raman Scattering Nanoprobe Ratiometry for Detecting Microscopic Ovarian Cancer via Folate Receptor Targeting
Published on: March 25, 2019
Folic acid-functionalized up-conversion nanoparticles: toxicity studies in vivo and in vitro and targeted imaging
Lining Sun1, Zuwu Wei, Haige Chen
1Research Center of Nano Science and Technology, Shanghai University, Shanghai 200444, P. R. China. lnsun@shu.edu.cn shiliyi@shu.edu.cn.
Abstract:
Folate receptors (FRs) are overexpressed on a variety of human cancer cells and tissues, including cancers of the breast, ovaries, endometrium, and brain. This over-expression of FRs can be used to target folate-linked imaging specifically to FR-expressing tumors. Fluorescence is emerging as a powerful new modality for molecular imaging in both the diagnosis and treatment of disease. Combining innovative molecular biology and chemistry, we prepared three kinds of folate-targeted up-conversion nanoparticles as imaging agents (UCNC-FA: UCNC-Er-FA, UCNC-Tm-FA, and UCNC-Er,Tm-FA). In vivo and in vitro toxicity studies showed that these nanoparticles have both good biocompatibility and low toxicity. Moreover, the up-conversion luminescence imaging indicated that they have good targeting to HeLa cells and can therefore serve as potential fluorescent contrast agents.
Insights
Researchers developed novel folate-targeted up-conversion nanoparticles for cancer imaging. These biocompatible nanoparticles show promising targeting capabilities for FR-expressing tumors, offering potential as fluorescent contrast agents.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical imaging
- Nanotechnology
- Molecular biology
Background:
- Folate receptors (FRs) are overexpressed in various human cancers, including breast, ovarian, endometrial, and brain cancers.
- Targeted imaging agents can leverage FR overexpression for specific tumor localization.
- Fluorescence imaging is a rapidly advancing technique for disease diagnosis and treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop novel folate-targeted up-conversion nanoparticles (UCNC-FA) for molecular imaging.
- To evaluate the biocompatibility, toxicity, and targeting efficacy of these nanoparticles in vitro and in vivo.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis of three types of folate-targeted up-conversion nanoparticles: UCNC-Er-FA, UCNC-Tm-FA, and UCNC-Er,Tm-FA.
- In vitro and in vivo toxicity assessments.
- Up-conversion luminescence imaging to evaluate targeting to HeLa cells.
Main Results:
- The synthesized UCNC-FA nanoparticles demonstrated good biocompatibility and low toxicity.
- Up-conversion luminescence imaging confirmed effective targeting of the nanoparticles to FR-expressing HeLa cells.
- The nanoparticles show potential as targeted fluorescent contrast agents.
Conclusions:
- Folate-targeted up-conversion nanoparticles are effective imaging agents with good biocompatibility.
- These nanoparticles can specifically target FR-overexpressing cancer cells.
- The developed UCNC-FA nanoparticles represent a promising tool for fluorescent molecular imaging in cancer diagnosis and treatment.
