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Updated: Sep 22, 2025
Anticancer Efficacy of Photodynamic Therapy with Lung Cancer-Targeted Nanoparticles
Published on: December 1, 2016
DNA-Au Janus Nanoparticles for In Situ SERS Detection and Targeted Chemo-photodynamic Synergistic Therapy
Xiaoru Zhang1, Yonghao Ge2, Minghui Liu2
1Key Laboratory of Optic-electric Sensing and Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, MOE, Shandong Key Laboratory of Biochemical Analysis, and College of Chemistry and Molecular Engineering, Qingdao University of Science and Technology, Qingdao 266042, P.R. China.
Abstract:
Cancer theranostics is of great significance in the personalized therapy. In this work, stable Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) containing PEG and two kinds of DNAs were prepared by means of "click chemistry". In response to ATP or acid condition, the prepared JNPs could form Au NP dimers, which facilitate in situ SERS detection and SERS imaging analysis of cancer cells due to the formation of "hot spots" in the nanogap between the Au NP dimers. A detection limit of 2.3 × 10-9 M was obtained for ATP. As for a pH sensor, the SERS signals increased with the decrease of pH value from 8.0 to 4.0. In situ monitoring of ATP or acid condition in cancer cells by SERS can improve the accuracy and sensitivity of diagnosis. Moreover, drugs and photosensitizers loaded on the other side of JNPs led to the chemotherapy/photodynamic therapy synergistic antitumor effect, which was verified by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Given the excellent performance in SERS detection and cancer therapy, the developed JNPs hold considerable potential in cancer theranostics.
Insights
Stable Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) enable in situ cancer cell detection and therapy. These nanoparticles facilitate sensitive ATP and pH sensing, alongside combined chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy for enhanced antitumor effects.
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Chemical Biology
Background:
- Cancer theranostics is crucial for personalized medicine.
- Developing multifunctional nanoparticles is key for integrated diagnosis and therapy.
- Janus nanoparticles offer unique properties for targeted applications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To create stable Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) for cancer theranostics.
- To utilize JNPs for in situ detection of ATP and acid conditions in cancer cells via SERS.
- To evaluate the synergistic therapeutic efficacy of drug and photosensitizer loaded JNPs.
Main Methods:
- Preparation of PEGylated Janus nanoparticles (JNPs) using click chemistry.
- Induction of Au NP dimer formation in JNPs for SERS signal generation.
- In situ SERS detection of ATP and pH changes within cancer cells.
- In vitro and in vivo evaluation of chemotherapy/photodynamic therapy.
Main Results:
- JNPs successfully formed Au NP dimers in response to ATP or acid.
- Achieved a low detection limit of 2.3 × 10-9 M for ATP.
- Demonstrated pH-dependent SERS signal changes from pH 8.0 to 4.0.
- Verified synergistic antitumor effects of combined therapies in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusions:
- Developed JNPs show significant potential for sensitive SERS-based cancer diagnostics.
- The JNPs effectively facilitate in situ monitoring of intracellular conditions.
- The dual-functionality of JNPs for theranostics offers a promising approach for cancer treatment.
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