Two-photon-excited tumor cell fluorescence targeted imaging based on transferrin-functionalized silicon nanoparticles

Area of Science:

• Nanotechnology
• Biomedical Engineering
• Materials Science

Background:

• Targeted cancer imaging requires specific biomarkers.
• Silicon nanoparticles (SiNPs) offer tunable optical properties.
• Transferrin receptor is overexpressed on many tumor cells.

Purpose of the Study:

• To synthesize and characterize transferrin-functionalized silicon nanoparticles (Trf-SiNPs).
• To evaluate the potential of Trf-SiNPs for targeted fluorescence imaging in tumor cells.

Main Methods:

• SiNPs synthesized via microwave irradiation.
• Functionalization with transferrin using EDC/NHS chemistry.
• Structural analysis using TEM and FTIR.
• Optical properties characterized (UV-Vis, fluorescence, quantum yield, lifetime, photostability).
• Cytotoxicity assessed by MTT assay.
• In vitro imaging in HeLa and HepG2 cells.

Main Results:

• Successful synthesis and characterization of Trf-SiNPs confirmed.
• Trf-SiNPs exhibited favorable optical properties and good photostability.
• MTT assay demonstrated low cytotoxicity of Trf-SiNPs.
• Targeted fluorescence imaging achieved in HeLa and HepG2 cells under both single- and two-photon excitation.

Conclusions:

• Trf-SiNPs are effectively synthesized and possess suitable properties for bioimaging.
• The transferrin functionalization enables targeted delivery to tumor cells.
• Trf-SiNPs represent a promising platform for targeted cancer cell imaging.