Evaluation of photothermal therapy using 660nm LED on murine melanoma cells (B16F10) that internalized plasma-functionalized carbon nanotubes

• Grant number: 21/08216-9
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Scientific Initiation
• Effective date (Start): December 01, 2021
• Effective date (End): June 30, 2022
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Immunology - Applied Immunology
• Principal Investigator: Elaine Conceicao de Oliveira
• Grantee: Kaíque Gomes Hergesel
• Host Institution: Faculdade de Tecnologia de Sorocaba (FATEC Sorocaba). Centro Paula Souza (CEETEPS). Secretaria de Desenvolvimento Econômico (São Paulo - Estado). Sorocaba , SP, Brazil

Abstract

Currently, new cancer therapies have been proposed, especially those based on the use of newly developed technologies such as nanotechnology. Our group has been working with the objective of studying the biological effects of carbon-walled nanotubes (NTSc) and their possible use in nanomedicine. However, the biggest impediment has always been the hydrophobicity of these nanoparticles which in an aqueous medium aggregate, thus activating the inflammatory process. That is why we started a project in which we are using the Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition (PECVD) technique to change the surface of the NTCs making them more hydrophilic. Controlled exposure to plasma causes breakage of bonds in the surface layer of nanotubes without damaging their structure, allowing the binding of functional groups. The aim of this study is to evaluate the uptake of functionalized CNTs into plasma by murine melanoma cells (B16F10) and the effect of photothermal therapy with 660 nm LED light in monolayer culture (2D culture) and in three-dimensional culture (3D culture). NTCs exposed to plasma for 30 and 60 seconds (NTC F-30s and NTC F-60s) will be evaluated for their ability to cross the membrane of B16F10 cells and non-tumor L929 control cells (murine fibroblast) compared to non-functionalized nanotube (NTC-0), in both cultivation situations (2D and 3D). We will evaluate the morphology, cell viability, induction of death by apoptosis or necrosis, after internalization of functionalized or non-functionalized NTCs and exposure to LED. In 3D culture, it will be possible to evaluate the growth of spheroids after internalization and exposure to LED for three consecutive days, as well as the viability of these cells by staining with live/dead dye. The relative advances in the understanding of the processes triggered after the application of this type of therapy are still not enough for this technique to be considered safe. The results obtained through this study will be of great relevance and may help in the understanding and application of this type of therapy using CNTs functionalized with plasma. (AU)