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Preparation and Photoacoustic Analysis of Cellular Vehicles Containing Gold Nanorods
Published on: May 2, 2016
Gold-Based Nanoplataform for the Treatment of Anaplastic Thyroid Carcinoma: A Step Forward
Mariana Amaral1, Adília J Charmier2, Ricardo A Afonso3,4
1Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal.
Abstract:
Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is a very rare subtype of thyroid carcinoma and one of the most lethal malignancies. Poor prognosis is mainly associated with its undifferentiated nature, inoperability, and failing to respond to the typically used therapies for thyroid cancer. Photothermal Therapy (PTT) entails using light to increase tissues' temperature, leading to hyperthermia-mediated cell death. Tumours are more susceptible to heat as they are unable to dissipate it. By using functionalized gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) that transform light energy into heat, it is possible to target the heat to the tumour. This study aims to formulate ATC-targeted AuNPs able to convert near-infrared light into heat, for PTT of ATC. Different AuNPs were synthetized and coated. Size, morphology, and surface plasmon resonances band were determined. The optimized coated-AuNPs were then functionalized with ligands to assess ATC's specificity. Safety, efficacy, and selectivity were assessed in vitro. The formulations were deemed safe when not irradiated (>70% cell viability) and selective for ATC. However, when irradiated, holo-transferrin-AuNPs were the most cytotoxic (22% of cell viability). The biodistribution and safety of this formulation was assessed in vivo. Overall, this novel formulation appears to be a highly promising approach to evaluate in a very near future.
Insights
Targeted gold nanoparticles show promise for treating anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC). Holo-transferrin-functionalized nanoparticles demonstrated significant cancer cell death when activated by near-infrared light.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Nanotechnology
- Oncology
Background:
- Anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC) is an aggressive and lethal cancer with poor treatment outcomes.
- Current therapies for ATC are often ineffective due to its undifferentiated nature and resistance.
- Photothermal therapy (PTT) offers a potential treatment modality by utilizing heat-induced cell death.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate targeted gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for photothermal therapy (PTT) of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma (ATC).
- To investigate the safety, efficacy, and specificity of AuNPs functionalized for ATC targeting.
Main Methods:
- Synthesis and characterization of various gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), including size, morphology, and optical properties.
- Functionalization of optimized AuNPs with ligands for specific targeting of ATC.
- In vitro assessment of safety, efficacy, and selectivity of AuNPs with and without near-infrared irradiation.
- In vivo evaluation of biodistribution and safety of the most promising AuNP formulation.
Main Results:
- Synthesized AuNPs were characterized, and optimized formulations were selected for further study.
- AuNP formulations demonstrated safety when non-irradiated and selectivity for ATC cells.
- Irradiated holo-transferrin-AuNPs exhibited significant cytotoxicity against ATC cells (22% cell viability).
- In vivo studies confirmed the biodistribution and safety profile of the holo-transferrin-AuNP formulation.
Conclusions:
- Targeted gold nanoparticles functionalized with holo-transferrin show significant potential for PTT of anaplastic thyroid carcinoma.
- This novel nanomedicine approach demonstrates safety, selectivity, and potent anti-cancer activity.
- Further preclinical evaluation is warranted to advance this promising therapeutic strategy for ATC.
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