DNA-based nanosized functional ruthenium(II) complex as potential phosphorescent probe to track tumor cells

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Chemical Biology

Background:

• Cancer's heterogeneity poses challenges for accurate tumor cell identification.
• Developing targeted imaging agents is crucial for early cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To create an effective phosphorescent probe for precise tumor cell highlighting.
• To investigate the potential of a functional ruthenium(II) complex-oligonucleotide nanodevice (Ru@DNA) for cancer imaging.

Main Methods:

• Synthesized a nanosized functional ruthenium(II) complex (Ru@DNA) with dimensions of 300-500 nm.
• Investigated Ru@DNA's cellular uptake mechanism, demonstrating ATP-dependent endocytosis.
• Evaluated Ru@DNA's tumor cell targeting and imaging capabilities in vitro and in a zebrafish model.

Main Results:

• Ru@DNA nanoparticles showed rapid and selective accumulation in tumor cells, likely due to the enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) effect.
• The probe successfully discerned and labeled transplanted cancer cells in zebrafish.
• Demonstrated efficient intestinal absorption and pancreatic distribution of Ru@DNA.

Conclusions:

• Ru@DNA serves as a promising DNA-based nanodevice for phosphorescent imaging.
• This functional ruthenium(II) complex offers potential as an efficient probe for in vitro and in vivo imaging of living tumor cells.