AS1411 Aptamer-Anionic Linear Globular Dendrimer G2-Iohexol Selective Nano-Theranostics

Area of Science:

• Molecular theranostics
• Nanomedicine
• Bioconjugation

Background:

• Molecular theranostics offers dual diagnostic and therapeutic capabilities for malignancies.
• Targeted drug delivery systems are crucial for improving cancer treatment efficacy.
• Dendrimers and aptamers are promising components for developing advanced nanocarriers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and characterize a novel nano-theranostic agent for targeted delivery of Iohexol to human breast cancer cells (MCF-7).
• To evaluate the in vitro and in vivo performance, including targeting specificity, bio-safety, and imaging capabilities of the developed system.

Main Methods:

• Anionic linear globular dendrimer G2 was synthesized and conjugated with AS1411 aptamer.
• Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), Dynamic Light Scattering (DLS), Electrophoretic Light Scattering (ELS), and Static Light Scattering (SLS) were used for characterization.
• In vitro toxicity (XTT assay, apoptosis/necrosis assays) and cellular uptake (DAPI-FITC staining, ICP-MS) were assessed.
• In vivo studies included CT imaging, pathology, and blood tests.

Main Results:

• Conjugation altered the morphology of the dendrimer, confirmed by AFM.
• The nano-theranostic system showed reduced toxicity towards normal HEK-293 cells compared to MCF-7 cells.
• In vitro and in vivo studies confirmed targeted accumulation in cancer cells/tumors and effective imaging.
• The system demonstrated potential in reducing cancer cell numbers.

Conclusions:

• The developed dendrimer-aptamer-Iohexol nano-theranostic system is a promising platform for targeted breast cancer therapy and imaging.
• This approach enhances drug accumulation at tumor sites while minimizing off-target toxicity.
• Further research is warranted to explore its full therapeutic potential in clinical settings.