Radiofrequency-triggered tumor-targeting delivery system for theranostics application

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Developing advanced drug delivery systems is crucial for effective cancer therapy.
• Targeted delivery and stimuli-responsive release can improve treatment efficacy and reduce side effects.
• Multifunctional platforms integrating diagnosis and therapy offer significant advantages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize a novel magnetic tumor-targeting gold nanoshell drug delivery system (DOX-TSMLs-AuNSs-PEG).
• To evaluate the system's potential for triggered drug release, chemo-hyperthermia therapy, and dual-mode imaging.
• To assess the cellular uptake mechanism and in vitro/in vivo efficacy for tumor treatment.

Main Methods:

• Magnetoliposomes loaded with doxorubicin were constructed using the reverse-phase evaporation method.
• Gold nanoshells were coated onto magnetoliposomes, followed by SH-PEG2000 modification to create the DOX-TSMLs-AuNSs-PEG system.
• Radiofrequency-triggered release, chemo-hyperthermia, dual-mode imaging, endosomal escape, and in vitro/in vivo studies were performed.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis of the multifunctional DOX-TSMLs-AuNSs-PEG drug delivery system.
• Demonstration of radiofrequency-triggered doxorubicin release and combined chemo-hyperthermia therapy.
• Evidence of dual-mode magnetic resonance/X-ray imaging capabilities and effective endosomal escape via radiofrequency-induced disruption.
• Positive in vitro and in vivo results indicating significant therapeutic potential.

Conclusions:

• The DOX-TSMLs-AuNSs-PEG system is a promising multifunctional platform for targeted cancer therapy.
• The system facilitates triggered drug release, combined therapeutic modalities, and advanced imaging for improved tumor management.
• Radiofrequency-induced endosomal escape enhances drug delivery efficiency, leading to effective tumor treatment.