ABSTRACT
Multifunctional nanoparticles have high potential as targeting delivery vehicles for cancer chemotherapy. In this study, silver-decorated gold nanorods (AuNR\Ag) have been successfully used to deliver specific, targeted chemotherapy against breast cancer (MCF7) and prostate carcinoma (PC3) cell lines. Doxorubicin, a commonly used chemotherapy, and anti-Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (anti-EpCAM) antibodies were covalently bonded to thiolated polyethylene glycol-coated AuNR\Ag, and the resultant system was used to deliver the drugs to cancer cells in vitro. Furthermore, these nanoparticles have a unique spectral signature by surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS), which enables reliable detection and monitoring of the distribution of these chemotherapy constructs inside cells. The development of interest in a plasmonic nano drugs system with unique spectroscopic signatures could result in a clinical approach to the precise targeting and visualization of cells and solid tumors while delivering molecules for the enhanced treatment of cancerous tumors.
Subject(s)
Antineoplastic Agents/administration & dosage , Doxorubicin/administration & dosage , Drug Carriers/chemistry , Gold/chemistry , Nanotubes/chemistry , Silver/chemistry , Antibodies, Monoclonal/administration & dosage , Antineoplastic Agents/pharmacology , Cell Line, Tumor , Cell Survival/drug effects , Coated Materials, Biocompatible/chemical synthesis , Coated Materials, Biocompatible/chemistry , Doxorubicin/pharmacology , Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule/immunology , Humans , Molecular Targeted Therapy , Spectrum Analysis, RamanABSTRACT
Optical techniques, including Raman, photothermal and photoacoustic microscopy and spectroscopy, have been intensively explored for the sensitive and accurate detection of various diseases. Rapid advances in lasers, photodetectors, and nanotechnology have led to the development of Raman spectroscopy, particularly surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS), as a promising imaging modality that can help diagnose many diseases. This review focuses on the major recent advances in Raman spectroscopy and SERS-enhancing contrast nanoagents, as well as their potential to transition from a proof-of-concept approach to a cancer detection tool in vitro and in vivo.
Subject(s)
Nanoparticles , Nanotubes, Carbon , Neoplasms/diagnosis , Spectrum Analysis, Raman/methods , Animals , Humans , Surface Plasmon Resonance/methodsABSTRACT
Raman spectroscopy and surface-enhanced raman scattering (SERS) have the potential to improve the detection and monitoring of various diseases, particularly cancer, with or without the support of multifunctional active nanosystems. This review is focused on the recent advances that have made Raman a major tool for treatment guidance for surgical tumor resection or for analytical monitoring of various therapies, such as photodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, and drug delivery. The potential of Raman spectroscopy and nanosytems to further improve cancer treatments is also discussed.
