All-in-one Superparamagnetic and SERS-active Niosomes for Dual-targeted in Vitro Detection of Breast Cancer Cells

Abstract

BackgroundIn vitro and in vivo biosensing through surface-enhanced Raman scattering often suffer from signal contamination diminishing both the limit of detection and quantification. However, overcoming the lack of specificity requires excessive nanoparticle concentrations, which may lead to adverse side effects if applied to patients. ResultsWe propose encapsulation of iron oxide (FexOy) and gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) into the bilayer structure of transferrin-modified niosomes. This approach enables achieving greatly enhanced and contamination-free SERS-signals in vitro as well as a dual-targeting functionality towards MCF-7 breast cancer cells. An in-depth characterization of FexOyNPs- and AuNPs-loaded niosomes (AuNPs/FexOyNPs/NIO) after magnetic downstream processing reveals defined hybrid niosome structures, which show a long-term SERS-signal stability in various media such as MCF-7 cell culture medium. In vitro 2D-SERS imaging unveil a successful incorporation of a non-toxic dose of hybrid NPs into MCF-7 cells, which leads to strong and almost contamination-free SERS-signals. The measured signal-to-noise ratio of the in vitro signal exceeds the values required by DIN 32645 for the successful validation of a detection method. ConclusionsThe hybrid niosomes can be considered a promising and efficient agent for the establishment and commercialization of a highly sensitive detection kit for monitoring cancerous tissue.

Amorphization and modified release of ibuprofen by post-synthetic and solvent-free loading into tailored silica aerogels

“…These solubility-enhancing strategies differ depending on the intrinsic properties of the API, the manufacturing processes and the routes of delivery. Despite notable advances in parenteral drug delivery routes (Gulati & Gupta, 2011 ; Ag Seleci et al., 2016 ; Bhargava et al., 2017 ; Marques et al., 2019 ; Maurer et al., 2021 ; Zarinwall et al., 2021a ; Maurer et al., 2022 ), the oral route remains the most favored method of administration (Gabor et al., 2010 ; Williams et al., 2016 ) because of its high convenience, patient compliance and reduced health care costs in addition to lower production costs (Sastry et al., 2000 ; Pfeiffer et al., 2006 ). However, upon oral administration of a solid dosage form, the dissolution rate of the drug in the gastrointestinal tract fluids limits the extent of absorption by the intestinal mucosa and thus its pharmaceutical effect.…”