Gold nanoprisms as a hybrid in vivo cancer theranostic platform for in situ photoacoustic imaging, angiography, and localized hyperthermia

Abstract

The development of high-resolution nanosized photoacoustic contrast agents is an exciting yet challenging technological advance. Herein, antibody (breast cancer-associated antigen 1 (Brcaa1) monoclonal antibody)-and peptide (RGD)-functionalized gold nanoprisms (AuNprs) were used as a combinatorial methodology for in situ photoacoustic imaging, angiography, and localized hyperthermia using orthotopic and subcutaneous murine gastric carcinoma models. RGD-conjugated PEGylated AuNprs are available for tumor angiography, and Brcaa1 monoclonal antibody-conjugated PEGylated AuNprs are used for targeting and for in situ imaging of gastric carcinoma in orthotopic tumor models. In situ photoacoustic imaging allowed for anatomical and functional imaging at the tumor site. In vivo tumor angiography imaging showed enhancement of the photoacoustic signal in a time-dependent manner. Furthermore, photoacoustic imaging demonstrated that tumor vessels were clearly damaged after localized hyperthermia. This is the first proof-of-concept using two AuNprs probes as highly sensitive contrasts and therapeutic agents for in situ tumor detection and inhibition. These smart antibody/peptide AuNprs can be used as an efficient nanotheranostic platform for in vivo tumor detection with high sensitivity, as well as for tumor targeting therapy, which, with a single-dose injection, results in tumor size reduction and increases mice survival after localized hyperthermia treatment.

EGFR Antibody Conjugated Bimetallic Au@Ag Nanorods for Enhanced SERS-Based Tumor Boundary Identification, Targeted Photoacoustic Imaging and Photothermal Therapy

“…How to reduce its mortality rate and extend gastric cancer patent life span is still a challengeable problem. Up to date, surgery, radiation and chemotherapies are still effective choice for early and in situ gastric cancers [5][6][7], but how to realize precise location of gastric cancer boundary is still a problem. Although in the course of operation, freeze-tissue section and pathological staining observation are still very effective method, but operation needs stopping and wait for the pathological results for one or two hours.…”

In situ synthesis of gold nanostars within liposomes for controlled drug release and photoacoustic imaging

“…Surface-plasmon resonance active nanoparticles such as Au nanoparticles are able to generate photoacoustic signals when being irradiated with a pulsed laser and thus can provide contrast in photoacoustic imaging [22][23][24][25]. The incident pulsed laser is absorbed by Au nanoparticles and converted to heat.…”

Advance and Prospects of Nanotheranostic Technology for Gastric Cancer

“…In vivo tumor angiography imaging showed enhancement of Furthermore, photoacoustic imaging demonstrated that tumor vessels were clearly damaged after localized hyperthermia. These smart antibody/peptide AuNprs can be used as an efficient nanotheranostic platform for in vivo tumor detection with high sensitivity, as well as for tumor targeting therapy [22].…”