Mesoporous Carbon Nanospheres as a Multifunctional Carrier for Cancer Theranostics

Abstract

Optical nanomaterials with intense absorption in near-infrared (NIR) region hold great promise for biomedical applications such as photothermal therapy (PTT) and photoacoustic imaging (PAI). In this work, we report mesoporous carbon nanospheres (Meso-CNs) with broadband and intense absorption in the UV-Vis-NIR region (300-1400 nm) and explore their potential as a multifunctional platform for photoacoustic imaging and chemo-photothermal therapy.Methods: Meso-CNs were prepared by a “silica-assisted” synthesis strategy and characterized by transmission electron microscope and optical spectroscopy. We investigated the photothermal conversion and photoacoustic imaging of Meso-CNs in comparison with single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWCNTs), graphene and gold nanorods (GNRs). In vitro cellular assays and in vivo chemo-photothermal combination therapy were performed.Results: The absorption coefficients of Meso-CNs are 1.5-2 times higher than those of SWCNTs and graphene and are comparable to those of GNRs in both the first and the second near-infrared optical windows (NIR-I and NIR-II) of tissues. When exposed to an NIR laser, the photothermal and photoacoustic signal generation of Meso-CNs are also stronger than those of SWCNTs, graphene, and GNRs. DOX was loaded into Meso-CNs with a high efficiency (35 wt%) owing to the unique mesoporous structure. Particularly, the drug release from Meso-CNs is sensitive to both pH and NIR light stimulation. In vivo chemo-photothermal combination therapy demonstrates a remarkable inhibition effect on tumor growth under NIR laser treatment.Conclusions: We have developed Meso-CNs for photothermal conversion and photoacoustic imaging. The porous structure also serves as a drug carrier and the drug release can be controlled by pH and external light. The high drug loading capacity, superior photothermal and photoacoustic generation, together with the apparent chemo-photothermal therapeutic effect, make Meso-CNs a promising platform for cancer theranostics.

Recent Advance in Near‐Infrared (NIR) Imaging Probes for Cancer Theranostics

“…Ke et al demonstrated a new 2D theranostics nanoplatform based on copper manganese sulfide (Cu 2 MnS 2 ) nanoplates for MRI and PA imaging-guided PTT in NIR II window. [129] Under NIR II laser irradiation, the Meso-CNs showed PA imaging and photothermal conversion capacity. Taking the advantages of unlimited penetration of MRI and high temporal resolution of PA imaging, highly efficient photothermal tumor growth inhibition was achieved.…”

Photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy in the second near-infrared window

“…2h) with a wide band and strong absorption across 300-1400 nm using a silicaassisted synthetic route, and further investigated their potential as a versatile platform for PAI and imaging-guided chemophotothermal therapy. 53 Silicon (Si), as a type of semiconductor material with LSPR, has attracted much attention for biomedical applications due to its unique optical and electronic properties, abundance, good biodegradability, and biocompatibility. For example, Li et al designed non-stoichiometric hollow silicon oxide nanoparticles (H-SiO x ) via a magnesiothermic reduction strategy (Fig.…”

Theranostic Iron@Gold Core–Shell Nanoparticles for Simultaneous Hyperthermia‐Chemotherapy upon Photo‐Stimulation

“…Interdisciplinary research involving different fields of science, such as physics, chemistry, and biology, in conjunction with engineering at the nano level has highlighted the modulation that could be achieved in material properties at the nanoscale level. A variety of nanoforms, such as nanospheres, nanoparticles, nanocapsules, and nanotubes have been exploited for developing different applications. Nanoparticles have emerged as important tools for engineering, due to their ability to exhibit size‐dependent properties .…”