Synthesis of Janus gold-magnetic nanoparticles for photothermal cancer therapy

Background. Tumoricidal photothermal therapies by multimodal nanoplatforms with spatiotemporal precision have gained much attention in recent years, however, developing biocompatible, multifunctional nanosystems for real-time tumor targeting and therapy monitoring remains a critical need.Methods. A novel class of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-specific aptamers modified Janus gold-coated magnetic nanoparticles (GMN) was engineered as a multifunctional nanoplatform for tumor-targeted multimodal imaging and photothermal therapy in this study.Results. The unique Janus nanostructure features of the strategic nanosystem enables dual functionality, firstly for magnetic resonance imaging guidance through the superparamagnetic nanoparticles, secondly for active tumor targeting combined with near-infrared-responsive photothermal ablation mediated by the gold nanostructure.Conclusions. The demonstrated synergistic capabilities of EGFR aptamer modified GMN established a promising platform for developing next-generation theranostic agents to combine precise cancer diagnosis with spatially controlled therapeutic intervention.