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Synthesis of an In vivo MRI-detectable Apoptosis Probe
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Synthesis of an In vivo MRI-detectable Apoptosis Probe

Published on: July 31, 2012

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Investigation of apoptotic events at molecular level induced by SERS guided targeted theranostic nanoprobe

Nisha Narayanan1, Lakshmi V Nair2, Varsha Karunakaran1

  • 1CSIR-National Institute for Interdisciplinary Science & Technology (NIIST), Chemical Science & Technology Division (CSTD), Organic chemistry section, Industrial Estate, Thiruvananthapuram 695019, Kerala, India. kkmaiti@niist.res.in and Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR) - CSIR-NIIST, Thiruvananthapuram, India.

Nanoscale
|May 24, 2016
PubMed

Insights

This study reveals how cellular components change during apoptosis, monitored by a smart nanoprobe. The probe uses SERS fingerprinting to track DNA damage during combined photothermal and chemotherapy.

Area of Science:

  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Nanotechnology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Apoptotic cell death is a critical biological process.
  • Targeted drug delivery systems offer potential for cancer therapy.
  • Developing theranostic nanoprobes can enable simultaneous diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate cellular component alterations during apoptosis induced by a novel theranostic nanoprobe.
  • To evaluate the nanoprobe's function as a Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy (SERS) "on/off" probe.
  • To assess the efficacy of synergistic photothermal chemotherapy delivered by the nanoprobe.

Main Methods:

  • Utilized a targeted theranostic nanoprobe (MMP-SQ@GNR@LAH-DOX).
  • Employed SERS fingerprinting to monitor cellular changes.
  • Investigated apoptosis and DNA structural integrity.

Main Results:

  • Observed distinct structural and functional variations in cellular components during apoptosis.
  • Demonstrated the nanoprobe's capability as a SERS "on/off" sensor for matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) protease activity.
  • Confirmed synergistic photothermal chemotherapy effects via SERS analysis of DNA's phosphodiester backbone.

Conclusions:

  • The theranostic nanoprobe effectively induces and monitors apoptosis.
  • SERS fingerprinting provides insights into DNA damage during treatment.
  • This approach shows promise for advanced cancer theranostics.

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