Analytical and theranostic applications of gold nanoparticles and multifunctional nanocomposites

Multifunctional Au nanoclusters for targeted bioimaging and enhanced photodynamic inactivation of Staphylococcus aureus

A novel nanocluster platform is developed to combine intense red fluorescence of Au₂₅–BSA nanoclusters (QY ∼ 14%), biospecific binding to S. aureus due to human antistaphylococcal IgG, and photodynamic inactivation due to photosensitizer Photosens™.

Three-photon luminescence of gold nanorods and its applications for high contrast tissue and deep in vivo brain imaging

Gold nanoparticles can be used as contrast agents for bio-imaging applications. Here we studied multi-photon luminescence (MPL) of gold nanorods (GNRs), under the excitation of femtosecond (fs) lasers. GNRs functionalized with polyethylene glycol (PEG) molecules have high chemical and optical stability, and can be used as multi-photon luminescent nanoprobes for deep in vivo imaging of live animals. We have found that the depth of in vivo imaging is dependent upon the transmission and focal capability of the excitation light interacting with the GNRs. Our study focused on the comparison of MPL from GNRs with two different aspect ratios, as well as their ex vivo and in vivo imaging effects under 760 nm and 1000 nm excitation, respectively. Both of these wavelengths were located at an optically transparent window of biological tissue (700-1000 nm). PEGylated GNRs, which were intravenously injected into mice via the tail vein and accumulated in major organs and tumor tissue, showed high image contrast due to distinct three-photon luminescence (3PL) signals upon irradiation of a 1000 nm fs laser. Concerning in vivo mouse brain imaging, the 3PL imaging depth of GNRs under 1000 nm fs excitation could reach 600 μm, which was approximately 170 μm deeper than the two-photon luminescence (2PL) imaging depth of GNRs with a fs excitation of 760 nm.

In situ high throughput scattering light analysis of single plasmonic nanoparticles in living cells

Plasmonic nanoparticles have been widely applied in cell imaging, disease diagnosis, and photothermal therapy owing to their unique scattering and absorption spectra based on localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) property. Recently, it is still a big challenge to study the detailed scattering properties of single plasmonic nanoparticles in living cells and tissues, which have dynamic and complicated environment. The conventional approach for measuring the scattering light is based on a spectrograph coupled to dark-field microscopy (DFM), which is time-consuming and limited by the small sample capacity. Alternatively, RGB-based method is promising in high-throughput analysis of single plasmonic nanoparticles in dark-field images, but the limitation in recognition of nanoparticles hinders its application for intracellular analysis. In this paper, we developed an automatic and robust method for recognizing the plasmonic nanoparticles in dark-field image for RGB-based analysis. The method involves a bias-modified fuzzy C-means algorithm, through which biased illumination in the image could be eliminated. Thus, nearly all of the gold nanoparticles in the recorded image were recognized both on glass slide and in living cells. As confirmed, the distribution of peak wavelength obtained by our method is well agreed to the result measured by conventional method. Furthermore, we demonstrated that our method is profound in cell imaging studies, where its advantages in fast and high-throughput analysis of the plasmonic nanoparticles could be applied to confirm the presence and location of important biological molecules and provide efficiency information for cancer drug selection.

An in-depth view of human serum albumin corona on gold nanoparticles

Upon entering biological systems, such as the blood stream, nanoparticles form molecular complexes with the proteins encountered called protein coronas, which shield the surface of the exogenous nanoparticle. The most abundant blood proteins, such as albumin, initially occupy the surface of the nanoparticle. Owing to the widespread applications of gold nanoparticles in medicine, in this study, the docking of human serum albumin to gold nanoparticles was examined and the changes in protein structure were investigated by a molecular dynamic simulation and GOLP force field. The results showed that after the adsorption of albumin on the gold nanoparticle, human serum albumin was denatured and the amount of alpha-helix significantly decreased. Domain III, which has a large cavity of fatty acids binding sites, plays an important role in the adsorption on the gold nanoparticles. Lys464, Thr504, Phe505, and Leu581 are critical amino acids in HSA adsorption on the GNPs. After the adsorption of albumin on the surface of gold nanoparticles, the fluctuations in some of the domains of the protein increased. Variations in the helix properties, such as helix length, dipole, radius, average phi and psi angles, and the length of hydrogen bonds, were calculated in detail.

SERS nanosensors and nanoreporters: golden opportunities in biomedical applications

This article provides an overview of recent developments and applications of surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) nanosensors and nanoreporters in our laboratory for use in biochemical monitoring, medical diagnostics, and therapy. The design and fabrication of different types of plasmonics-active nanostructures are discussed. The SERS nanosensors can be used in various applications including pH sensing, protein detection, and gene diagnostics. For DNA detection the 'Molecular Sentinel' nanoprobe can be used as a homogenous bioassay in solution or on a chip platform. Gold nanostars provide an excellent multi-modality theranostic platform, combining Raman and SERS with two-photon luminescence (TPL) imaging as well as photodynamic therapy (PDT), and photothermal therapy (PTT). Plasmonics-enhanced and optically modulated delivery of nanostars into brain tumor in live animals was demonstrated; photothermal treatment of tumor vasculature may induce inflammasome activation, thus increasing the permeability of the blood brain-tumor barrier. The imaging method using TPL of gold nanostars provides an unprecedented spatial selectivity for enhanced targeted nanostar delivery to cortical tumor tissue. A quintuple-modality nanoreporter based on gold nanostars for SERS, TPL, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), and PTT has recently been developed. The possibility of combining spectral selectivity and high sensitivity of the SERS process with the inherent molecular specificity of bioreceptor-based nanoprobes provides a unique multiplex and selective diagnostic modality. Several examples of optical detection using SERS in combination with other detection and treatment modalities are discussed to illustrate the usefulness and potential of SERS nanosensors and nanoreporters for medical applications.

Potential nanotechnologies and molecular targets in the quest for efficient chemotherapy in ovarian cancer

INTRODUCTION

Ovarian cancer, considered one of the most fatal gynecological cancers, goes largely undiagnosed until metastasis presents itself, usually once the patient is in the final stages and thus, too late for worthwhile therapy. Targeting this elusive disease in its early stages would improve the outcome for most patients, while the information generated thereof would increase the possibility of preventative mechanisms of therapy.

AREAS COVERED

This review discusses various molecular targets as possible moieties to be incorporated in a holistic drug delivery system or the more aptly termed 'theranostic' system. These molecular targets can be used for targeting, visualizing, diagnosing, and ultimately, treating ovarian cancer in its entirety. Currently implemented nanoframeworks, such as nanomicelles and nanoliposomes, are described and the effectiveness of nanostructures in tumor targeting, treatment functions, and overcoming the drug resistance challenge is discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

Novel nanotechnology strategies such as the development of nanoframeworks decorated with targeted ligands of a molecular nature may provide an efficient chemotherapy, especially when instituted in combination with imaging, diagnostic, and ultimately, therapeutic moieties. An imperative aspect of utilizing nanotechnology in the treatment of ovarian cancer is the flexibility of the drug delivery system and its ability to overcome standard obstacles such as: i) successfully treating the desired cells through direct targeting; ii) reducing toxicity levels of treatment by achieving direct targeting; and iii) delivery of targeted therapy using an efficient vehicle that is exceptionally degradable in response to a particular stimulus. The targeting of ovarian cancer in its early stages using imaging and diagnostic nanotechnology is an area that can be improved upon by combining therapeutic moieties with molecular biomarkers. The nanotechnology and molecular markers mentioned in this review have generally been used for either imaging or diagnostics, and have not yet been successfully implemented into bi-functional tools, which it is hoped, should eventually include a therapeutic aspect.

Design of Magnetic Gelatine/Silica Nanocomposites by Nanoemulsification: Encapsulation versus in Situ Growth of Iron Oxide Colloids

The design of magnetic nanoparticles by incorporation of iron oxide colloids within gelatine/silica hybrid nanoparticles has been performed for the first time through a nanoemulsion route using the encapsulation of pre-formed magnetite nanocrystals and the in situ precipitation of ferrous/ferric ions. The first method leads to bi-continuous hybrid nanocomposites containing a limited amount of well-dispersed magnetite colloids. In contrast, the second approach allows the formation of gelatine-silica core-shell nanostructures incorporating larger amounts of agglomerated iron oxide colloids. Both magnetic nanocomposites exhibit similar superparamagnetic behaviors. Whereas nanocomposites obtained via an in situ approach show a strong tendency to aggregate in solution, the encapsulation route allows further surface modification of the magnetic nanocomposites, leading to quaternary gold/iron oxide/silica/gelatine nanoparticles. Hence, such a first-time rational combination of nano-emulsion, nanocrystallization and sol-gel chemistry allows the elaboration of multi-component functional nanomaterials. This constitutes a step forward in the design of more complex bio-nanoplatforms.

Lanthanide upconversion nanoparticles and applications in bioassays and bioimaging: a review

Through the process of photon upconversion, trivalent lanthanide doped nanocrystals convert long-wavelength excitation radiation in the infrared or near infrared region to higher energy emission radiation from ultraviolet to infrared. Such materials offer potential for numerous advantages in analytical applications in comparison to molecular fluorophores and quantum dots. The use of IR radiation as an excitation source reduces autofluorescence and scattering of excitation radiation, which leads to a reduction of background in optical experiments. The upconverting nanocrystals offer excellent photostability and are composed of materials that are not particularly toxic to biological organisms. Excitation at long wavelengths also minimizes damage to biological materials. In this review, the different mechanisms responsible for the upconversion process, and methods that are used to synthesize and decorate upconverting nanoparticles are presented to indicate how absorption and emission can be tuned. Examples of recent applications of upconverting nanoparticles in bioassays for the detection of proteins, nucleic acids, metabolites and metal ions offer indications of analytical advantages in the development of methods of analysis. Examples include multi-color and multi-modal imaging, and the use of upconverting nanoparticles in theranostics.

Radiolabeled nanoparticles for multimodality tumor imaging

Each imaging modality has its own unique strengths. Multimodality imaging, taking advantages of strengths from two or more imaging modalities, can provide overall structural, functional, and molecular information, offering the prospect of improved diagnostic and therapeutic monitoring abilities. The devices of molecular imaging with multimodality and multifunction are of great value for cancer diagnosis and treatment, and greatly accelerate the development of radionuclide-based multimodal molecular imaging. Radiolabeled nanoparticles bearing intrinsic properties have gained great interest in multimodality tumor imaging over the past decade. Significant breakthrough has been made toward the development of various radiolabeled nanoparticles, which can be used as novel cancer diagnostic tools in multimodality imaging systems. It is expected that quantitative multimodality imaging with multifunctional radiolabeled nanoparticles will afford accurate and precise assessment of biological signatures in cancer in a real-time manner and thus, pave the path towards personalized cancer medicine. This review addresses advantages and challenges in developing multimodality imaging probes by using different types of nanoparticles, and summarizes the recent advances in the applications of radiolabeled nanoparticles for multimodal imaging of tumor. The key issues involved in the translation of radiolabeled nanoparticles to the clinic are also discussed.

Biodegradable gold nanovesicles with an ultrastrong plasmonic coupling effect for photoacoustic imaging and photothermal therapy

The hierarchical assembly of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) allows the localized surface plasmon resonance peaks to be engineered to the near-infrared (NIR) region for enhanced photothermal therapy (PTT). Herein we report a novel theranostic platform based on biodegradable plasmonic gold nanovesicles for photoacoustic (PA) imaging and PTT. The disulfide bond at the terminus of a PEG-b-PCL block-copolymer graft enables dense packing of GNPs during the assembly process and induces ultrastrong plasmonic coupling between adjacent GNPs. The strong NIR absorption induced by plasmon coupling and very high photothermal conversion efficiency (η=37%) enable simultaneous thermal/PA imaging and enhanced PTT efficacy with improved clearance of the dissociated particles after the completion of PTT. The assembly of various nanocrystals with tailored optical, magnetic, and electronic properties into vesicle architectures opens new possibilities for the construction of multifunctional biodegradable platforms for biomedical applications.

On the mechanism of metal nanoparticle synthesis in the Brust-Schiffrin method

Brust-Schiffrin synthesis (BSS) of metal nanoparticles has emerged as a major breakthrough in the field for its ability to produce highly stable thiol functionalized nanoparticles. In this work, we use a detailed population balance model to conclude that particle formation in BSS is controlled by a new synthesis route: continuous nucleation, growth, and capping of particles throughout the synthesis process. The new mechanism, quite different from the others known in the literature (classical LaMer mechanism, sequential nucleation-growth-capping, and thermodynamic mechanism), successfully explains key features of BSS, including size tuning by varying the amount of capping agent instead of the widely used approach of varying the amount of reducing agent. The new mechanism captures a large body of experimental observations quantitatively, including size tuning and only a marginal effect of the parameters otherwise known to affect particle synthesis sensitively. The new mechanism predicts that, in a constant synthesis environment, continuous nucleation-growth-capping mechanism leads to complete capping of particles (no more growth) at the same size, while the new ones are born continuously, in principle leading to synthesis of more monodisperse particles. This prediction is validated through new experimental measurements.