Logic-Gated Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Nanoplatform for Dual-Amplified Cancer Cell Imaging and Targeted...

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Nanotechnology
• Cancer Research

Background:

• Accurate cancer cell identification is crucial for theranostics but limited by low specificity and nonspecific probe activation.
• Current methods struggle with precise diagnosis and targeted therapy, necessitating advanced nanoplatforms.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a logic-gated SERS nanoplatform for dual-amplified cancer cell imaging and targeted photothermal ablation.
• To utilize apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) and miRNA-155 as biomarkers for breast cancer detection.
• To achieve ultrasensitive and specific cancer cell identification and elimination.

Main Methods:

• Development of a logic-gated surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoplatform.
• Utilizing catalytic hairpin assembly triggered by dual biomarkers (APE1 and miRNA-155) for gold nanoparticle self-organization into 3D-ANS.
• Employing 3D-ANS for SERS signal amplification, photothermal conversion, and targeted cancer cell ablation.

Main Results:

• Achieved ultralow detection limits: 2.09 × 10^-5 U mL^-1 for APE1 and 28.9 aM for miRNA-155.
• Demonstrated ultrasensitive and specific imaging of breast cancer cells.
• Showcased high photothermal conversion efficiency and specific elimination of cancer cells via laser irradiation.

Conclusions:

• The logic-gated SERS nanoplatform offers high specificity and versatility for precise cancer diagnosis.
• This approach provides a powerful strategy for integrated cancer theranostics, combining imaging and targeted therapy.
• The developed nanoplatform advances the field of precision oncology and nanomedicine.