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Laser-Synthesized Elemental Boron Nanoparticles for Efficient Boron Neutron Capture Therapy
Irina N Zavestovskaya1,2, Anna I Kasatova3, Dmitry A Kasatov3
1P. N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|December 9, 2023
Summary
Elemental boron nanoparticles (BNPs) enhance cancer cell death when used with neutron therapy. These biocompatible nanoparticles show excellent tumor retention in mice, paving the way for improved boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT).
Area of Science:
- Nanotechnology
- Radiotherapy
- Materials Science
Background:
- Boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) offers promising radiotherapy but requires improved boron delivery.
- Developing biocompatible, water-dispersible nanoparticles with high boron content remains a challenge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate elemental boron nanoparticles (BNPs) fabricated via pulsed laser ablation as sensitizers for BNCT.
- To assess the biocompatibility, efficacy, and biodistribution of these BNPs.
Main Methods:
- Fabrication of amorphous (a-BNPs) and partially crystallized (pc-BNPs) using pulsed laser ablation in liquids.
- Functionalization with polyethylene glycol for stability and biocompatibility.
- In vitro cytotoxicity and clonogenic assays, followed by in vivo biodistribution studies in mice.
Main Results:
- BNPs demonstrated no toxicity up to 500 µg/mL.
- BNPs significantly enhanced cancer cell death under neutron irradiation (SW-620 cells: 12.6% and 1.6% colony formation for a-BNPs and pc-BNPs; U87 cells: 17%).
- Intratumoral administration in mice showed excellent boron retention in tumors.
Conclusions:
- Elemental boron nanoparticles are effective sensitizers for BNCT, significantly improving cancer cell killing.
- PEGylated BNPs are biocompatible and exhibit favorable tumor retention for potential in vivo applications.
- These findings support the use of BNPs for enhanced neutron therapy outcomes.
