A Hollow NaGdF₄/AFn Nanosystem Based on “Relay Race” Release for Therapy

Abstract

To develop a multifunctional nanomaterial for dual‐mode imaging and synergetic chemotherapy, curcumin (CUR) was physically entrapped into hollow upconversion NaGdF4 nanomaterial, then apoferritin (AFn) loaded with doxorubicin (DOX) was attached to the NaGdF4 surface. Subsequent modification with the targeting reagent folic acid (FA) led to generation of the CUR/NaGdF4–DOX/AFn–FA conjugate for cancer treatment. X‐ray diffraction, scanning (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy demonstrated the successful preparation of hexagonal‐phase NaGdF4 and NaGdF4–AFn–FA. Moreover, no toxicity was observed for NaGdF4–AFn–FA. In vitro and in vivo experiments demonstrated that the two drugs are sequentially released from the nanocomposites. This two‐drug system showed strong growth inhibitory effects on MCF‐7 cells. Upconversion luminescence imaging and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging of NaGdF4–AFn–FA were carried out. The results of this study show that NaGdF4–AFn–FA can be used for targeted anticancer drug delivery as well as imaging, a novel multi‐pronged theranostic system for tumor treatment.

Designing Stimuli‐Responsive Upconversion Nanoparticles that Exploit the Tumor Microenvironment

“…Zhou et al described UCNPs integrated with apoferritin that achieved both dual mode imaging along with dual drug delivery. [ 104 ] Gadolinium‐based hollow mesoporous structured UCNPs (NaGdF 4 ) have been synthesized by a hydrothermal process. These nanoparticles exhibited good dispersion in an aqueous environment as well as enhanced upconversion fluorescence.…”

Development and characterization of folic acid-functionalized apoferritin as a delivery vehicle for epirubicin against MCF-7 breast cancer cells

“…In another words, weakening of intermolecular hydrogen bonds between hydrogen of hydroxyl groups in Epr molecules and amino groups in the internal structure of HsAFr, causing numerous Epr molecules to release inside dialysis bag, leading to a high concentration of Epr drug in the dialysis buffer [30]. Zhou et al also reported similar results for fast doxorubicin release from HsAFr nanocarrier at first 10 h [48]. The inner surface of HsAFr is rich in acidic residues (Glu and Asp), resulting in a high negative charge density located at the inner cavity of HsAFr nanocage.…”