DNA-functionalized gold nanorods for perioperative optical imaging and photothermal therapy of triple-negative breast cancer Journal Article


Authors: Pal, S.; Koneru, J. K.; Andreou, C.; Rakshit, T.; Rajasekhar, V. K.; Wlodarczyk, M.; Healey, J. H.; Kircher, M. F.; Mondal, J.
Article Title: DNA-functionalized gold nanorods for perioperative optical imaging and photothermal therapy of triple-negative breast cancer
Abstract: Targeted imaging and therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) in the perioperative period are imperative for better disease management and improved life expectancy. Still, they are not available in clinical settings, and only a few nanoparticle-based theranostic agents potentially offer these capabilities. Herein, we develop an innovative class of biocompatible triple-modality nanoprobes (TMNPs) that offer optical imaging using optoacoustic, fluorescence, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), as well as photothermal therapy (PTT) with near-infrared (NIR) light. The TMNPs are fabricated by immobilizing positively charged NIR fluorophores on negatively charged DNA-coated gold nanorods (AuNRs), followed by silica encapsulation. The DNA-based design allows the screening of commercially available positively charged NIR fluorophores for the optimum fluorescence emission and SERS. After design optimization, we functionalize TMNPs with folate groups to target folate receptor1 (FOLR1)-overexpressing TNBC in vitro and in vivo. Our results reveal that TMNPs preferentially accumulate in FOLR1 positive tumors in TNBC patient-derived xenograft mouse models and show excellent imaging capabilities with all three imaging modalities. Selective exposure of the tumor to a NIR laser shows efficient thermal tissue ablation without causing systemic toxicity. Collectively, TMNPs hold great promise for real-time multiplexed imaging of cancer biomarkers and therapeutic capability. © 2022 American Chemical Society. All rights reserved.
Keywords: dna; medical imaging; tumors; diagnosis; biocompatibility; nanoparticles; silica; disease control; diseases; theranostics; triple-negative breast cancer; infrared devices; optical imaging; multimodal imaging; receptor-1; photothermal therapy; fluorophores; optical image storage; nanorods; triple-negative breast cancers; raman scattering; surface scattering; folates; functionalized nanoparticles; dna-functionalized nanoparticle; folr1 targeting; folate receptor1 targeting
Journal Title: ACS Applied Nano Materials
Volume: 5
Issue: 7
ISSN: 2574-0970
Publisher: American Chemical Society  
Date Published: 2022-07-22
Start Page: 9159
End Page: 9169
Language: English
DOI: 10.1021/acsanm.2c01502
PROVIDER: scopus
DOI/URL:
Notes: Article -- Export Date: 3 October 2022 -- Source: Scopus
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  1. Moritz Florian Kircher
    55 Kircher
  2. John H Healey
    548 Healey
  3. Chrysafis   Andreou
    22 Andreou