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Antifolate SERS-active nanovectors: quantitative drug nanostructuring and selective cell targeting for effective
Claudia Fasolato1, Sabrina Giantulli, Angela Capocefalo
1Dipartimento di Fisica e Geologia, Università degli Studi di Perugia, Perugia, Italy. claudia.fasolato@unipg.it.
Nanoscale
|August 7, 2019
Summary
Researchers developed novel theranostic nanovectors using gold nanoparticles and antifolate drugs for targeted cancer therapy and diagnostics. These nanovectors precisely deliver drugs and offer real-time monitoring of treatment efficacy.
Area of Science:
- Nanomedicine
- Biotechnology
- Materials Science
Background:
- Theranostic nanovectors represent a key advancement in nanomedicine, integrating diagnostic and therapeutic functions.
- Targeted delivery of therapeutics is crucial for effective cancer treatment, minimizing off-target effects.
Purpose of the Study:
- To design and characterize antifolate plasmonic nanovectors for selective cancer cell targeting and therapy.
- To utilize the Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) properties for diagnostic tracing and drug quantification.
- To investigate the enhanced therapeutic efficacy of drugs delivered via nanovectors compared to free molecules.
Main Methods:
- Functionalization of gold nanoparticles with antifolate drugs (aminopterin and methotrexate).
- Conjugation of nanoparticles with folic acid competitors for targeted cell binding.
- Utilizing SERS spectroscopy for nanoparticle tracking and drug load assessment.
- Evaluating the selective toxicity of nanovectors against cancer cells.
Main Results:
- Successful preparation of antifolate plasmonic nanovectors capable of targeting cancer cells overexpressing folate binding proteins.
- SERS signature enabled accurate tracing of nanovectors and quantification of loaded drugs.
- Nanovector-delivered antifolates demonstrated enhanced specific toxicity compared to free drugs.
- Potential for optimizing selectivity through hybrid folate/antifolate coloading for targeting folate receptor α.
Conclusions:
- Antifolate plasmonic nanovectors offer a promising theranostic platform for targeted cancer treatment.
- The SERS-based diagnostic capability allows for precise monitoring of drug delivery and therapeutic response.
- Nanostructured drug delivery enhances therapeutic efficacy and selectivity, paving the way for improved nanomedicine applications.
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