Aggregation-Induced Emission (AIE) and Magnetic Resonance Imaging Characteristics for Targeted and Image-Guided siRNA...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Oncology

Background:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a prevalent global cancer.
• Small interfering RNA (siRNA) offers gene silencing therapy but faces challenges like off-target effects and in vivo quantification.
• Effective targeted therapies with imaging capabilities are needed for HCC treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel theragnostic nanoparticle for targeted and image-guided siRNA therapy of HCC.
• To evaluate the nanoparticle's dual-mode imaging (MRI and AIE) and therapeutic efficacy in HCC.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized theragnostic nanoparticles (T7-AIE/Gd NPs) encapsulating Survivin siRNA using Poly-ethylenimine (PEI).
• Nanoparticles self-assembled from DSPE-PEG-DTPA(Gd), DSPE-PEG-Mal, DSPE-PEG-PEI, and TPE.
• Evaluated in vitro toxicity and therapeutic effects, and in vivo dual-mode imaging (MRI and AIE) and tumor suppression in HCC models.

Main Results:

• The theragnostic nanoparticles demonstrated low toxicity and high therapeutic efficacy.
• Achieved excellent T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and aggregation-induced emission (AIE) imaging performance.
• In vivo imaging confirmed rapid tumor accumulation via active targeting and EPR effects, leading to suppressed HCC growth through autophagy induction and DNA destabilization.

Conclusions:

• T7-AIE-Gd nanoparticles carrying Survivin siRNA show promise for targeted HCC therapy.
• Dual-mode imaging provides effective monitoring of nanoparticle delivery and therapeutic response.
• This theragnostic approach offers a potential strategy for image-guided HCC treatment.