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Logic-Gated Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Nanoplatform for Dual-Amplified Cancer Cell Imaging and Targeted
Zhichao Xia1, Jiayi Zeng1, Junjian Lu1
1State Key Laboratory of Microbial Technology, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, Nanjing 210023, China.
Abstract:
Precise identification of cancer cells is essential for accurate theranostics, yet remains hindered by the low specificity of single-biomarker recognition and susceptibility of conventional probes to nonspecific activation. Herein, we develop a logic-gated surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoplatform that enables dual-amplified cancer cell imaging coupled with targeted photothermal ablation. Using apurinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease 1 (APE1) and miRNA-155 as model targets for breast cancer, the concurrent presence of both biomarkers triggers spatially confined catalytic hairpin assembly. This drives the self-organization of gold nanoparticles into dense three-dimensional network nanostructures (3D-ANS), simultaneously generating electromagnetic hot spots for SERS signal amplification and photothermal conversion. This nanoplatform achieves an ultralow detection limit of 2.09 × 10-5 U mL-1 for APE1 and 28.9 aM for miRNA-155, enabling ultrasensitive specific imaging of cancer cells. Moreover, the assembled 3D-ANS simultaneously exhibits high photothermal conversion efficiency and can specifically eliminate cancer cells under 808 nm laser irradiation. Integrating high specificity and versatility, this logic-gated SERS platform provides a powerful strategy for precise diagnosis and targeted cancer therapy.
Insights
This study introduces a novel logic-gated SERS nanoplatform for precise breast cancer theranostics. The platform enables dual-amplified imaging and targeted photothermal ablation of cancer cells by detecting APE1 and miRNA-155.
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.
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