Folic Acid-Conjugated, SERS-Labeled Silver Nanotriangles for Multimodal Detection and Targeted Photothermal Treatment on Human Ovarian Cancer Cells

Abstract

The effectiveness of a therapeutic agent for cancer stands in its ability to reduce and eliminate tumors without harming the healthy tissue nearby. Nanoparticles peripherally conjugated with targeting moieties offer major improvements in therapeutics through site specificity. In this study we demonstrate this approach by targeting the folate receptor of NIH:OVCAR-3 human ovary cancer cell line. Herein we used silver nanotriangles which were biocompatibilized with chitosan (bio)polymer, labeled with para-aminothiophenol (pATP) Raman reporter molecule, and conjugated with folic acid. The nanoparticles conjugation and efficient labeling was investigated by localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR), zeta potential, and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) measurements. Conjugated particles were proven to be highly stable in aqueous and cellular medium. The targeted uptake of conjugated nanoparticles by human ovary cancer cells was confirmed by dark field microscopy and scattering spectra of the particles inside cells. Comparative studies revealed specific internalization of the conjugated nanoparticles in comparison with similar bare nanoparticles. Moreover, the SERS identity of the particles was proven to be highly conserved inside cells. Targeted cancer cell treatment conducted by irradiating the nanoparticle-treated cells with a continuous wave-nearinfrared (cw-NIR) laser in resonance with their plasmonic band proved an efficient therapeutic response. By integrating the advantages of multimodal optical imaging and SERS detection with hyperthermia capabilities through site specificity, these nanoparticles can represent a real candidate for personalized medicine.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Taxus yunnanensis Callus and Their Antibacterial Activity and Cytotoxicity in Human Cancer Cells

“…Braun et al developed etching technique to enable AgNPs to target tumor cells, and rapidly disassemble and remove AgNPs outside living cells, which minimized the off-target toxicity [52]. The treatment of targeted human ovary cancer cells by AgNPs conjugated with folic acid was conducted through site specificity by irradiating cells with a continuous wave near-infrared laser [53]. Zhao et al developed successfully a multifunctional magnetic Fe 3 O 4 /AgNPs with a monoclonal antibody C225 targeting to the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), an attractive target of many cancers [54].…”

Silver nanoparticles affect glucose metabolism in hepatoma cells through production of reactive oxygen species

“…1,2 Additionally, AgNPs conjugated with folic acid are preferentially taken up by human ovary cancer cells, inducing an efficient therapeutic response to irradiation with a continuous wave near-infrared laser. 3 In addition to anticancer activity, inhibitory effects of AgNPs against various pathogens, including bacteria such as Escherichia coli, fungi such as Candida species, and viruses such as herpes simplex viruses, have been reported.…”

Nano-Technological Approaches to Improve the Efficiency of Bio-Assays

“…Kannadorai et al, has recently described the fabrication of silver nanotriangle array using angle resolved nanosphere lithography and utilizing the same for enhancing fluorescence [54]. Boca-Farcau has demonstrated another approach, where they have used silver nanotriangles which were biocompatibilized with chitosan (bio) polymer, labeled with Raman active para-aminothiophenol (pATP), and conjugated with folic acid [55]. They applied this approach by targeting the folate receptor of NIH:OVCAR-3 human ovary cancer cell line.…”