Photothermia and Activated Drug Release of Natural Cell Membrane Coated Plasmonic Gold Nanorods and beta-Lapachone

Author(s)

Marangoni, Valeria S. ; Bernardi, Juliana Cancino ; Reis, Ianny B. ; Favaro, Wagner J. ; Zucolotto, Valtencir

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ACS APPLIED BIO MATERIALS; v. 2, n. 2, p. 9-pg., 2019-02-18.

Abstract

Plasmonic gold nanoparticles present extraordinary potential for near-infrared photothermal and triggered-therapeutic release treatments of solid tumors. In this study, we create a multifunctional nanocarrier in which PEG-coated gold nanorods are grouped into natural cell membrane vesicles (CM) from lung cancer (A549) cells and loaded with beta-lapachone (CM-beta-Lap-PEG-AuNRs). beta-Lapachone (beta-Lap) is an anticancer agent activated by the enzyme NADP(H):quinine oxidoreductase (NQO1), commonly found at higher levels in cancer cells. The irradiation with near-infrared (NIR) laser leads to disruption of the vesicles and release of the PEG-AuNRs and beta-Lap. The system presents an enhanced in vitro cytotoxicity against A549 cancer cells, which can be attributed to the specific cytotoxicity of beta-Lap combined with heat generated by laser irradiation of the AuNRs. In agreement, in vivo treatment with CM-beta-Lap-PEG-AuNRs and irradiation shows a histopathological recovery from nonmuscle invasive bladder cancer of most of the animals with only one cycle of application and irradiation. Such multifunctional platform is a promissing candidate for improved activated drug release and phototherapy. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/11166-4 - Theranostic nanomaterials applied to the cancer diagnosis and treatment and nanotoxicity studies
• Grantee: Valeria Spolon Marangoni
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Doctorate