Gold Nanoshelled Liquid Perfluorocarbon Magnetic Nanocapsules: a Nanotheranostic Platform for Bimodal Ultrasound/Magnetic Resonance Imaging Guided Photothermal Tumor Ablation

Abstract

Imaging guided ablation therapy has been applied in both biomedical research and clinical trials and turned out to be one of the most promising approaches for cancer treatment. Herein, the multifunctional nanocapsules were fabricated through loading perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB) and superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIOs) into poly(lactic acid) (PLA) nanocapsules (NCs), followed by the formation of PEGylated gold nanoshell on the surface. The resulting multi-component NCs were proved to be able to act as nanotheranostic agent to achieve successful bimodal ultrasound (US)/magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) guided photothermal ablation in human tumor xenograft models non-invasively. Such a single theranostic agent with the combination of real-time US and high-resolution MR imaging would be of great value to offer more comprehensive diagnostic information and dynamics of disease progression for the accurate location of therapeutic focusing spot in the targeted tumor tissue, showing great potential as an effective nanoplatform for contrast imaging guided photothermal therapy.

Ultrasound imaging beyond the vasculature with new generation contrast agents

“…These stable and biocompatible MSNs are localized and bind to the targeted site and release the payload drugs. Furthermore, the UCAs were able to couple to paramagnetic compounds, such as superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticle (SPIOs), to produce bi-functional agents that have both ultrasound and MRI imaging capability for tumor treatments 88, 89, 96, 97 . The bimodal imaging platform provides excellent diagnosis information and precise location for the therapeutic focusing spot for photothermal therapy.…”

“…96 In another approach, gold nanoparticles and gold shell nanocapsules were utilized as theranostic agents for image-guided photothermal therapy for cancer. [97][98][99][100] In this case, the perfluorooctylbromide (PFOB) was incorporated as the contrast agent, which enhanced ultrasound echogenicity for diagnostic purposes and located the disease site for enhanced tumor ablation. In related studies, mesoporous silica nanoparticles (MSNs) functionalized with the tumor-specific targeting and loading therapeutic agent have also been developed for ultrasound imaging and therapy for various cancer models.…”

Gold nanoparticles enlighten the future of cancer theranostics

“…In addition, polymeric per fluorocarbon Nan capsules were prepared using the oil-in-water emulsion method, followed by the addition of PEGylated gold nanoshells on the surface. 136 These resultant Nan capsules could not only enhance the contrast for ultrasound/CT imaging but also function as photo-absorbers for NIR-active PTT in xenografted mice. 136 Recently, Ayala-Orozco et al 137 have developed novel gold nanomatryoshkas composed of concentric gold-silica-gold layers and PEG-stabilizing ligands, for PTT of TNBC.…”

“…136 These resultant Nan capsules could not only enhance the contrast for ultrasound/CT imaging but also function as photo-absorbers for NIR-active PTT in xenografted mice. 136 Recently, Ayala-Orozco et al 137 have developed novel gold nanomatryoshkas composed of concentric gold-silica-gold layers and PEG-stabilizing ligands, for PTT of TNBC. In comparison with ~150 nm conventional silica-Au nanoshells, the resultant gold nanomatryoshkas (,100 nm) facilitated higher accumulation in tumors due to better penetration of smaller AuNPs into tissue via the EPR effect.…”

Emerging nanomedicine approaches fighting tumor metastasis: animal models, metastasis-targeted drug delivery, phototherapy, and immunotherapy

“…By knocking down or silencing genes associated with metastases using nanoparticle-based gene delivery systems, anti-metastasis treatment may be further improved. [240][241][242] As previously mentioned, regional lymph node dissection is important when solid tumors are removed by surgery. [232][233][234] 5.…”