Superparamagnetic Gold Nanoparticles Synthesized on Protein Particle Scaffolds for Cancer Theragnosis

Abstract

Cancer theragnosis using a single multimodality agent is the next mainstay of modern cancer diagnosis, treatment, and management, but a clinically feasible agent with in vivo cancer targeting and theragnostic efficacy has not yet been developed. A new type of cancer theragnostic agent is reported, based on gold magnetism that is induced on a cancer-targeting protein particle carrier. Superparamagnetic gold-nanoparticle clusters (named SPAuNCs) are synthesized on a viral capsid particle that is engineered to present peptide ligands targeting a tumor cell receptor (TCR). The potent multimodality of the SPAuNCs is observed, which enables TCR-specific targeting, T -weighted magnetic resonance imaging, and magnetic hyperthermia therapy of both subcutaneous and deep-tissue tumors in live mice under an alternating magnetic field. Furthermore, it is analytically elucidated how the magnetism of the SPAuNCs is sufficiently induced between localized and delocalized spins of Au atoms. In particular, the SPAuNCs show excellent biocompatibility without the problem of in vivo accumulation and holds promising potential as a clinically effective agent for cancer theragnosis.

Magnetoliposomes containing magnesium ferrite nanoparticles as nanocarriers for the model drug curcumin

“…Considering magnetite, despite the reported biocompatibility, it has been shown that these nanoparticles are sensitive to oxidation, being transformed into maghemite in the presence of oxygen [ 59 ]. Moreover, it has been described that iron oxide nanoparticles induce the production of reactive oxygen species in mammalian cells [ 60 ], causing severe DNA and protein damage and inflammatory responses [ 61 , 62 ]. Therefore, magnesium ferrite nanoparticles can be advantageous, avoiding these undesirable effects.…”

Advanced Nanotechnology Leading the Way to Multimodal Imaging‐Guided Precision Surgical Therapy

“…As such, high postoperative recurrence rates may occur with serious operative complications, resulting in organ dysfunction, failure, or even death. [207,211,212] The key advantage of nano-based contrast agents for preoperative imaging is enhanced sensitivity and prolonged circulation time, which allows repeated imaging with only one administration. However, the limited tissue penetration depth and narrow scope of imaging of these technologies at the cellular or tissue level are not suitable for preoperative applications.…”

Magnetogels: Prospects and Main Challenges in Biomedical Applications

“…Such fascination with these types of nanoparticles can be explained by their magnetic properties, corresponding to the major requirements of biomedical applications, such as low production cost, good physical and chemical stability, biocompatibility and environmental safety, thus being widely used in target drug delivery, MRI, magnetic hyperthermia and biosensing [ 52 ]. However, it has been reported that iron oxide nanoparticles show peroxidase-like activity, thereby producing reactive oxygen species that may cause severe damage to cell components and induce inflammatory responses [ 53 , 54 , 55 ]. In addition, they tend to accumulate in organs with a high concentration of macrophages and thus may not be advisable for long-term applications such as MRI, taking into consideration that they might disturb the immune function of the reticuloendothelial system [ 53 ].…”

“…However, it has been reported that iron oxide nanoparticles show peroxidase-like activity, thereby producing reactive oxygen species that may cause severe damage to cell components and induce inflammatory responses [ 53 , 54 , 55 ]. In addition, they tend to accumulate in organs with a high concentration of macrophages and thus may not be advisable for long-term applications such as MRI, taking into consideration that they might disturb the immune function of the reticuloendothelial system [ 53 ]. Therefore, the use of iron oxide nanoparticles requires improved coating, either polymeric or inorganic, to reduce these effects, which is expected to be more frequent in future reports, as the techniques of production become cheaper and simpler.…”