Large-scale synthesis of monodisperse Prussian blue nanoparticles for cancer theranostics via an “in situ modification” strategy

Abstract

BackgroundThe intrinsic properties of Prussian blue (PB) nanoparticles make them an attractive tool in nanomedicine, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), photoacoustic imaging (PAI), and photothermal therapy (PTT) properties. However, there still remains the challenge of their poor dispersible stability in the physiological environment. In this study, we developed an efficient hydrothermal method to address the poor dispersible stability of PB nanoparticles in the physiological environment.Materials and methodsThe concentration of H+, the mass of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), and iron sources (K3[Fe(CN)6]) are very vital in the preparation of PB nanoparticles. Through exploring the preparation process, optimized PB nanoparticles (OPBs) with excellent physiological stability were prepared. Hydrodynamic diameter and UV-vis absorption properties were measured to verify the stability of the prepared OPBs. Properties of dual-mode imaging, including MRI/PAI, and PTT of OPBs were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, the in vivo biosafety of OPBs was systematically assessed.ResultsOPBs were stable in different environments including various media, pH, and temperatures for at least 90 days, indicating that they are suitable for biomedical application via intravenous administration and easily stored in a robust environment. Compared with other research into the synthesis of PB nanoparticles, the “in situ modification” synthesis of PB nanoparticles had advantages, including a simple process, low cost, and easy mass preparation. OPBs showed no significant signs of toxicity for 90 days. As a proof of concept, the OPBs served as dual-mode image contrast agents and photothermal conversion agents for cancer diagnosis and therapy both in vitro and in vivo.ConclusionOur findings suggest a facile but efficient strategy with low cost to address the poor dispersible stability of PB nanoparticles in physiological environments. This will promote the development of further clinical transformations of PB nanoparticles, especially in cancer theranostics.

Laser‐induced optothermal response of gold nanoparticles: From a physical viewpoint to cancer treatment application

“…Here, photothermal agents are introduced in the tumor as light‐absorbing materials to improve the efficacy of energy‐to‐heat transduction [7–9]. PTT employs near‐infrared (NIR) laser photoabsorbers like metal nanoparticles (NPs) [9–12], carbon‐based materials [13–15], organic compounds [16], indocyanine green [17], natural chromophores [18], and synthetic coordination polymers (eg, Prussian blue) [19,20] to generate the necessary heat for thermally ablating cancerous cells exposed to NIR laser irradiation. In particular, laser irradiation of noble metal NPs with localized surface plasmon resonances (LSPRs) in the first biological window (ie, 650‐950 nm) has been widely investigated to achieve a potential clinically relevant photothermal effect [21].…”

“…Several approaches, such as radiotherapy or PTT, have shown significant progress on cancer treatments thanks to the unique electronic, optical, and chemical properties of gold nanoparticles (GNPs). GNPs allow achieving a significant therapeutic ratio when employed as radio or photosensitizing agents, in a proper concentration and dimension, within the tumor [16–20]. The therapeutic ratio, in this case, is related to the maximum radiation dose by which the death of cancer cells is locally controlled and the minimum radiation dose by which cells in healthy tissues have low acute and late morbidity [38–40].…”

The Application of Prussian Blue Nanoparticles in Tumor Diagnosis and Treatment

“…The PBNPs with a blue appearance can cause transient thermoelastic expansion via strong NIR absorption and provide ultrasonic signals for PAI [39], and modified PBNPs have better photothermal stability and photoacoustic signal-to-noise ratio [40]. PAI technique via PBNPs as a CA to label tumor or lable mesenchymal stem cells has been broadly exploited for noninvasive imaging and timely monitoring the recovery process [41][42][43], because it has high spatial resolution, strong contrast, noninvasiveness, real-time imaging, low cost, and the ability for both endogenous and exogenous imaging [44]. Hollow or mesoporous PBNPs have been usefully employed as nanocarriers to deliver theranostic agents because of their large intrinsic internal pore volume, tunable size, and simple synthesis [45].…”

More Efficient Prussian Blue Nanoparticles for an Improved Caesium Decontamination from Aqueous Solutions and Biological Fluids

“…More recently, due to the discovery of some interesting specific properties, PB has been attracting again great attention across the international scientific community becoming, together with its analogues, a versatile material for a wide range of applications, such as in sensors [ 17 ], catalysts [ 18 , 19 ], batteries [ 20 , 21 ], electrochromic devices [ 22 ], and biomedical systems [ 23 , 24 ].…”