Lipid-encapsulation of surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanoparticles and targeting to chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells

Abstract

60 nm diameter gold nanoparticles (AuNP) were coated with a ternary mixture of lipids and targeted to human lymphocytes. Previously, the versatility, stability and ease of application of the lipid coating was demonstrated by the incorporation of three classes of Raman-active species. In the present study, lipid encapsulated AuNPs were conjugated to two targeting species, namely whole antibodies and antibody fragments (Fab), by two methods. Furthermore, in vitro targeting of lipid-encapsulated Au nanoparticles to patient-derived chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells was demonstrated by Raman spectroscopy, Raman mapping, and darkfield microscopy. These results further demonstrate the versatility of the lipid layer for imparting stability, SERS activity, and targeting capability, which make these particles promising candidates for biodiagnostics.

Single Cell Optical Imaging and Spectroscopy

“…Polymers and lipids have also been utilized as nanoparticle coatings for targeting cancer cells. 555-556 …”

Rational Design for the Controlled Aggregation of Gold Nanorods via Phospholipid Encapsulation for Enhanced Raman Scattering

“…This indicates a correlation between the charge of the reporter species and its position in the aggregate structure. We investigated whether Raman could be observed from the encapsulating phospholipid, which has been reported to display a (weak) Raman signal and can be functionalized with biomolecules [2] . We found the presence of a broad Raman band near 2900cm -1 after encapsulation.…”

All-in-one Superparamagnetic and SERS-active Niosomes for Dual-targeted in Vitro Detection of Breast Cancer Cells

“…By using different inorganic (e.g. silica [32,33]) or organic (mostly liposomes/lipids [34][35][36], polyethylene glycole (PEG) [37,38]) substances, single or multiple NPs can be incorporated in a shell of the respective substance. Especially an encapsulation of multiple functionalized plasmonic NPs into one carrier NP improves the biocompatibility, impedes the leaching of Raman-active molecules, reduces undesired NP-NP interactions and prevents signal contamination [18,35,39].…”